New Delhi, October 18 (UNI) Delhi BJP chief Harsh Vardhan today said the steep hike in prices had '' blown out the lights of Diwali and Eid'' and alleged that the state government was a mute spectator to the people's problems.

The price rise has marred the festive spirt among the people and cast a shadow over Diwali ad Eid, hitting the budgets of both the communities, he said.

''The price rise is without any precedent. Yet the state government is deliberately remaining a mute spectator. It has spoiled the fun of the festivals...blowing out the lights of Diwali and Eid,'' a release said.

The people can either run their kitchens or celebrate the festival, he said, adding that the prices of pulses, flour, wheat, vegetables and fruits have shot up.

The BJP leader blamed the Congress-led UPA government at the centre and the Delhi government for the spiralling prices.

''No one is concerned about the price spiral as it has been artificially created and sponsored by the Congress,'' Dr Vardhan added.

''The Congress has given a free hand to the people involved in advance trading in commodities. Many foreign companies are now connected with this trade directly or indirectly.

They have captured the market. Today the prices of consumer goods are being increased at the behest of the speculators.'' UNI SSS RR RK1938