Bhubaneswar: The potato generated much heat in the assembly on Monday with the opposition BJD and Congress targeting the govt over an alleged shortage, resulting in price rise, even as the ruling BJP assured the MLAs there is nothing to be worried about.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Congress legislature party leader Rama Chandra Kadam alleged the govt of speaking in different tune at different times on the potato crisis. BJD MLA Pramila Mallik echoed similar views.
Speaking to the media outside the assembly, Kadam said the govt had been saying it would bring potatoes by train from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. "The govt should clarify why it is taking so long. People are suffering as the price has gone up," The Congress leader alleged.
BJD MLA Mallik sought clarity from the govt on authorities or organisations consulted about potato procurement for the state. She emphasised that potatoes are essential for all socio-economic groups, including both affluent and underprivileged sections.
Responding to the opposition, BJP MLA Saroj Padhi said the Mohan Majhi govt is working on a roadmap to ensure there is no shortage of potatoes. "When there was a problem with supply from West Bengal, the govt immediately ensured a steady supply from states such as UP and Punjab. There won't be any crisis," Padhi said.
"For the long term, the govt has been trying to ensure more production through the potato mission, which failed during the BJD govt, so that farmers also benefit while Odisha's dependence on other states ends," he added.
In a related development, officials from the food supplies and consumer welfare department conducted surprise checks in wholesale and retail outlets in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to ensure there is no price escalation.