Odisha Minister accuses Bengal of creating potato crisis amid rising prices

Bhubaneswar, Dec 5: As tensions rise over the increasing price of potatoes in Odisha, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra accused the West Bengal government of engineering a crisis to undermine the BJP administration.

During a press briefing on Thursday, he suggested that an artificial shortage of potatoes was created with the intent to embarrass the state government. He expressed confusion over West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to first halt potato shipments and then later agree to resume them.

Minister Patra assured the public that potato prices have stabilized and are expected to decrease further, alleviating concerns among consumers. He emphasized that there is currently no shortage of potatoes in the state, explaining that price increases are typically linked to diminished supply and limited availability. “The market is well supplied, and prices are approaching normal levels,” he stated.

Additionally, he reaffirmed that Odisha would not be making any formal requests to West Bengal regarding potato supplies. His comments came shortly after West Bengal imposed a ban on potato exports, causing several trucks carrying potatoes to become stranded at the border.