Union Minister for Steel Beni Prasad Verma has caused a controversy by saying that he is happy with the rising prices of food items because it will benefit farmers in the country.

He was speaking on the sidelines of a function in Barabanki, UP on Sunday, when he said that he is happy for the increasing prices as it would help farmers. He even blamed the media for making a huge issue of the rising prices.

"Dal, atta, rice and vegetables have become expensive. The more the prices, the better it is for farmers. I am happy with this inflation," he said.

His remarks were attacked by the opposition, which accused Congress leaders of turning a blind eye on inflation. BJP’s Shahnawaz Hussain said that the leaders of the party are stating things like inflation is helping farmers, which does not make sense.

Mr Verma also criticized the UP government of Samajwadi Party for not functioning properly. He went on to say that the dream of Mulayam Singh to form a government at the center will never come true. He said that government is being able to function properly due to "interference" of Mulayam Singh Yadav, he said.

Mr Verma was earlier in the middle of controversy when the Election Commission issued a warning to him for his remarks on the minority quota in February.