BHUBANESWAR: Odisha’s Leader of Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, wrote to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday, seeking her intervention to ensure a steady supply of potatoes to Odisha, where prices have sharply increased.

In his letter, Patnaik explained that recent rains have caused a short supply of potatoes in Odisha, leading to an “artificial price hike” and exacerbating the difficulties faced by the people.

“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,” Patnaik stated.

He urged Chief Minister Banerjee to facilitate the swift movement of these trucks to alleviate the potato shortage in Odisha and provide relief to its residents.