CPI demonstration over price rise

Bhubaneswar: Angry over sudden rise in the prices of potato and onion in Odisha, CPI workers and supporters staged a protest demonstration here on Sunday demanding immediate steps to control the price.

A large number of CPI workers took out a rally from the state party headquarters here to Raj Mahal Square holding placards and shouting slogans against the state government for the price rise.

Accusing the traders of creating artificial shortage of onion and potato in the market, CPI's Bhubaneswar Zonal Committee secretary Sura Jena attacked the wholesalers for increasing the prices.

The CPI leader also hit out at the food and supplies department of the state government accusing it of failing to monitor the market.

The protesters also demanded action against hoarders and black-marketeers.

They said onion prices in the past week have gone up by about Rs 5 to Rs 17 a kilo, while potato is being sold at Rs 18 a kilo, an increase of Rs 6.