Potato traders threaten strike from December 3 if West Bengal doesn't allow selling to other States
The Hindu
West Bengal imposes potato selling restrictions, leading to price hikes and border surveillance, sparking trader protests and political tensions.
Potato traders of West Bengal threatened to go on strike on Tuesday (December 3, 2024) if the State government does not lift restrictions on selling to other States.
West Bengal recently re-imposed curbs on selling potatoes to neighbouring states in an effort to control the prices in the local markets. Potatoes are retailing at ₹35-40 per kg in the local markets.
Following the decision of the State government, police have intensified surveillance at inter-State borders to prevent the transportation of potatoes out of the State. This has led to several trucks being stranded at border crossings.
"We will go on strike from Tuesday if the government does not lift the restrictions," Progressive Potato Traders' Association secretary Lalu Mukherjee told PTI.
He criticised the government's decision, stating, "Such abrupt measures disrupt our business and cause huge losses as we fail to fulfil commitments." Traders and cold storage associations blamed the State government for failing to control prices in the local markets, attributing it to profiteering by intermediaries.
"Despite the wholesale price of potatoes in Kolkata being ₹27 per kg, how is it retailing at ₹35-40?" a trader questioned.
Neighbouring States such as Odisha and Jharkhand rely heavily on West Bengal for their potato supply. After the restrictions were imposed, prices in these States have also gone up.
Supreme Court affirms the public's right to critique its judgments while addressing concerns over an NCERT textbook's content.
Amit Shah reviews Manipur's security, urging the CM to tackle drug cartels and aid displaced communities after ethnic violence.
Kerala's fisherfolk urge political parties to address livelihood concerns, demanding fair pricing, rule enforcement, and better support during elections.
Moderate rainfall in Visakhapatnam brings relief but causes traffic disruptions and power outages across the city.
Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans banks on its tried-and-tested formula
Agriculture Ministry reviews unseasonal rains' impact, assesses farm losses, and discusses relief measures for affected farmers.
Premium petrol prices rise by ₹2 per litre, but government claims no impact on the common man amidst global oil tensions.
Kum. Veerabhadrappa’s acclaimed novel Aramane has been adapted into a television serial. Kannada channel DD Chandana (Doordarshan) has launched the serial with the same name. National Award-winning filmmaker Mansore is the director behind the project,
Diya Chitale and Manav Thakkar reach semifinals, while Yashaswini Ghorpade upsets top seed Sreeja Akula at National TT Championships.
DYFI criticizes A.P.'s job calendar for failing unemployed youth, demanding a revision to include 1 lakh posts and higher age limits.
‘Lethargic’ officials who left Chambal sanctuary to the mercy of sand miners will be held liable: SC
Supreme Court holds negligent officials accountable for enabling illegal sand mining in Chambal Sanctuary, emphasizing habitat protection laws.
Work on the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel resumes after 13 months, with completion targeted by 2027-end, says Minister Reddy.
Ancient ‘Vanni’ tree at Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple tilts; steps on to restore it