Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Aug 9: In response to West Bengal’s halt of potato supplies to Odisha, several social organizations staged a protest on Friday, blocking vehicles laden with food items bound for the neighboring state.
According to sources, a large group of protesters gathered at National Highway No.16 near Manguli Chhak in Cuttack district, halting all vehicles carrying food items to West Bengal.
The protest was organized as potato prices in Odisha have doubled due to a shortage caused by West Bengal’s restrictions. The tuber has nearly vanished from many markets in Odisha, driving up prices significantly. Traders have accused the West Bengal government of blocking potato-laden trucks and even seizing them.
Protesters criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for obstructing the potato supply without apparent justification, exacerbating the crisis in Odisha. Despite appeals from Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee has yet to address the issue. The protesters have vowed to continue their demonstration until the movement of potatoes to Odisha is permitted.
