Former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday sought the help of Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee to overcome the potato crisis in the state.

It has been alleged that the Bengal government has prohibited the entry of trucks carrying potatoes to Odisha. Hundreds of potato-laden trucks are lying stranded on the border check gate at Laxmanath in Balasore district.

In a letter to Mamata, Naveen said: “Due to the rains, there has been a short supply of potatoes in Odisha, resulting in an artificial price hike adding to the sufferings of the common man.”

Naveen, in his letter, pointed out that long queues of trucks (more than 50) loaded with potatoes are waiting at the Odisha-Bengal border. “On earlier similar occasions, your noble gesture has earned the love and affection of our people. People of Odisha and West Bengal have strong cultural bonds and we are all devotees of Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath,” Naveen said in his letter. “I request you to kindly intervene in the matter and ensure a smooth supply of potatoes to Odisha.”

Earlier, Odisha food supplies and consumer welfare minister Krushna Chandra Patra said: “The West Bengal government has stopped potato supply to Odisha. Despite this, there is sufficient potato stock in the state to cater to the state’s needs of the people for the next 6 to 7 days. Taking advantage of the situation, some traders are indulging in bad practices and enhancing the price of potatoes.”

Agniveer quota

Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced a 10 per cent reservation for all those Agniveers, from Odisha, who have not been recruited in the army.
They will be recruited in all the uniformed services. The government has introduced a five-year age relaxation for the Agniveers who apply for jobs in the uniformed services.