Potato-Laden Trucks Stopped By Bengal; Know Why Odisha Minister Targets Naveen Patnaik

Bhubaneswar: With a large number of potato-laden trucks reportedly getting stranded at West Bengal border, Odisha is again likely to face another crisis soon if these vehicles are not allowed to move into the state.

Following the development, it is being speculated that West Bengal has imposed restriction on the export of potato to Odisha. Hundreds of potato-laden vehicles have been reportedly stranded near Belda and other checkpoints near the inter-state border since Wednesday evening.

As per information, the West Bengal government had decided to stop export of potato to other states to control the gradual increase in the prices of the essential kitchen items in their state.

The move was reported to have been taken after a meeting chaired by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She has reportedly directed the administration to take concrete steps to control the price rise of potato and onion.

Following the development, Odisha’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Thursday targeted BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. He indirectly held Naveen responsible for the sudden step taken by the neighbouring state.

The Minister wondered as to why West Bengal is repeatedly resorting to such acts of restricting potato transportation to Odisha.

Patra pointed out that Naveen Patnaik has been referring to Mamata as his sister. “Sister (Mamata) might have taken step after being told by her brother (Naveen),” the Minister said, adding that the government will try to find out as to why West Bengal has stopped exporting potatoes to Odisha.

However, the government is prepared to procure potatoes from other states to meet the demand and consumers will not face any problems, Patra added.