West Bengal's potato supply halt triggers protest and roadblock in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Aug 9: Members of various social organizations in Cuttack today staged a protest against the West Bengal government’s decision to halt potato supplies to Odisha. The demonstrators blocked vehicles transporting food items destined for West Bengal along National Highway No. 16 near Manguli chhak. This peaceful blockade resulted in the temporary stoppage of hundreds of food-laden trucks.

The shortage of potatoes in Odisha has led to a significant price increase, with the essential commodity becoming scarce in local markets. It is reported that the West Bengal government has restricted the movement of potato trucks into Odisha, exacerbating the crisis.

Additionally, West Bengal Police have been intercepting and seizing trucks carrying potatoes heading towards Odisha. In one instance, a potato-laden truck lost control at the Odisha border near Lailanpur while being pursued by the police, and its cargo was returned to West Bengal.

Protesters have accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of intentionally obstructing potato shipments to Odisha, despite appeals from Odisha’s Chief Minister.