In a novel protest against the skyrocketing vegetable prices in the State, Odisha Chhatra Congress workers sold vegetables in front of Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain’s official residence in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
The protestors raised slogans against the Centre and the State government holding them responsible for the exorbitant price rise of vegetables, which has hit the common man hard.
As per the Chhatra Congress workers, the prices of most of the vegetables that were Rs 20-30 a few days back have skyrocketed more than Rs 80 per kg. The common people are scared to buy vegetables and they are forced to cut down on their daily food menu.
“The State government has completely failed to control the prices of vegetables due to lack of vision. The State doesn’t have adequate cold storage facilities. At least 82 cold stores across the State have become defunct. The government has overlooked the ordeal of common people,” said a Chhatra Congress leader.
“The poor people are mainly suffering due to the inflation in the vegetable market. The State government has turned a blind eye to their problems. Congress is always with the poor. We are providing all the vegetables with 50 per cent discount,” said another Chhatra Congress leader.
Meanwhile, BJP and BJD leaders could not be contacted for comments over the protest by the Congress.