Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Dec 2: The reported potato shortage and surging prices dominated discussions in the Odisha Assembly on Monday, despite the arrival of 300 truckloads of fresh stock from Uttar Pradesh. Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLAs targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, accusing it of mismanaging the potato supply crisis.
During the question hour, BJD legislators criticized Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, alleging that the government failed to address the issue effectively. Holding posters and raising slogans, the opposition members demanded answers, questioning why the so-called “double-engine government” was unable to stabilize prices and ensure sufficient supply.
“Consumers are suffering as the government continues to mislead people about the potato crisis,” alleged the BJD MLAs, highlighting that the tuber’s price had skyrocketed to Rs 50-60 per kilogram in local markets.
Minister Patra defended the government’s actions, stating that traders have been instructed not to sell potatoes above Rs 40 per kilogram. He assured the Assembly that stringent measures would be taken against those violating the directive, while efforts to stabilize the market continue.
