Bhubaneswar: Amid skyrocketing potato price in Odisha, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly, Naveen Patnaik on Friday urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to ensure smooth transportation of the commodity.
In a letter to Mamata, the former Chief Minister said potatoes are an essential item for the people of Odisha. “Due to the rains, there has been a short supply of potatoes in Odisha market, resulting in an artificial price hike adding to the sufferings of the common person,” he said.
“I understand from the media that long queues of trucks (more than 50) loaded with potatoes are waiting at the West Bengal-Odisha border,” said Naveen.
Noting that on earlier similar occasions, Mamata’s noble gesture had earned the love and affection of the people of Odisha, he said, “people of Odisha and West Bengal have strong cultural bonds and we all are devotees of Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath.
“I request you to kindly intervene in the matter and ensure smooth supply of potatoes to Odisha. I look forward to your support in the interest of the people Odisha,” the LoP said in the letter, copy of which was made available to the media.
