Bhubaneswar, July 26: Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik wrote to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday seeking her intervention to ensure a smooth supply of potatoes to Odisha.
In the letter to Mamata Banerjee, Patnaik said that due to rains, there has been a short supply of potatoes in Odisha, which has resulted in an "artificial price hike" of tuber.
"I understand from the media that long queues of trucks (more than 50) loaded with potatoes are waiting at the West Bengal-Odisha border. On earlier similar occasions, your noble gesture has earned the love and affection of our people," he said.
"People of Odisha and West Bengal have strong cultural bonds and we are all devotees of Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath. I request you to kindly intervene in the matter and ensure smooth supply of potatoes to Odisha. Looking forward to your support in the interest of the people of Odisha," Naveen added.
Meanwhile, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said it was contemplating to procure potatoes from Uttar Pradesh to meet the demand.
After visiting a stockyard at Aiginia in Bhubaneswar, the Minister said the state has potato stock to meet requirements for a week.
He also asked officials concerned to initiate stern action against hoarders and those selling potatoes at higher prices.
