BJP-BJD Clash Over Potato Crisis in Odisha

Odisha's Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister K C Patra criticized BJD leader Naveen Patnaik for writing to West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the state's potato crisis. The controversy erupted during a debate on the price rise of essential commodities. Patra accused the BJD government of failing to address supply chain issues and set up adequate cold storages.

Odisha's Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister K C Patra on Tuesday voiced his objection to BJD president and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Naveen Patnaik, criticizing him for writing a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the ongoing potato crisis in the state.

The objection was raised during a heated debate on an adjournment motion over the surging prices of essential commodities. Patra denied allegations from opposition BJD and Congress members, which stated that the BJP government in Odisha had failed to control the price rise of crucial goods such as vegetables, potatoes, and onions.

Patra argued that while the opposition accused the BJP government of inaction, the real issue stemmed from BJD’s 24-year term, during which it allegedly failed to make the state self-sufficient in essential food items. Additionally, he accused them of not establishing enough cold storage facilities, hindering farmers' capacity to preserve their produce.