Odisha Potatoes in Peril: Majhi Meets Banerjee for Crisis Talks

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to address the potato supply issue affecting Odisha. Following the discussion, Odisha's state government has capped potato prices and is taking measures to stabilize the supply chain. A political tug-of-war has ensued over the crisis.

On Saturday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi met with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss the ongoing issues related to the potato supply from West Bengal to Odisha.

Majhi appealed to Banerjee for her intervention to resolve the crisis brought about by the stoppage of potato supplies, which has resulted in an artificial price hike in Odisha. The meeting took place in New Delhi during the Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog.

Majhi later addressed the issue on social media, stating that Odisha’s supply minister has reviewed stocks and the state government is taking steps to control potato prices and solve the supply problem quickly. The Odisha government has now capped the price of potatoes at Rs 32 per kg and is monitoring traders to ensure compliance.

This crisis has sparked a political blame game between the ruling BJD and the opposition BJP. Both parties are accusing one another of failing to make Odisha self-sufficient in potato production.