Potato price rise in Odisha: BJP raps Naveen Patnaik for seeking WB CM’s intervention, terms it ‘cheap politics’

Considering the potato price rise in Odisha, Odisha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik on Friday wrote a letter to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee seeking her intervention over the supply of potatoes to the State.

However, in response, the ruling BJP lambasted Patnaik terming the move as cheap politics. As per the saffron party, the BJD is fully responsible for the current situation in the State as enough cold storages have not been set up and the potato and onion missions have failed completely during their 24-year tenure.

“It has been learnt that former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written a letter to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to solve the potato crisis. This kind of cheap politics should be stopped. They (BJD) have not solved any crisis during their tenure of 24 years. Potato and Onion Missions undertaken during their period have failed,” said Odisha Food Suppliers and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra.

“As a result, people didn’t vote for you and you are in the Opposition chair. This kind of drama should be stopped. Nothing will happen by writing a letter. You are not in a position to write the letter,” he added.

Notably, the retail price of potatoes in Odisha has reached Rs 45-50 per kg causing huge inconvenience to the common people.