Bhubaneswar: With steep rise of onion prices, Opposition BJP and Congress Monday criticised the state government for failing to control the price hike.
Price of the kitchen essential has touched Rs 60 per kg in retail market of the state. Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare secretary has visited New Delhi to hold discussions with the Centre to find out a solution to address the issue. But, no action has been initiated by government so far.
Both BJP and Congress alleged that onion mission failed just like the potato mission.
“Odisha’s potato and onion missions have failed, but Naveen Babu has passed. Though the Centre decided to set up a price stabilisation fund, why the state government is not procuring onions from open market and providing them to people,” said state BJP vice-president Samir Mohanty.
State Congress president Niranjan Patnaik too mocked the government in this issue and said, “The government is setting up missions and commissions. But, neither the missions yield any result nor the commissions give reports.” Not only onion, prices of almost all vegetables have been gone up.”
Responding to opposition’s allegations, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare minister Ranendra Pratap Swain said, “Secretary has held talks with Centre, and we are exploring all options.”
While seeking answer on BJP leader Mohanty’s suggestion, the minister said, “Who is Samir Mohanty and what is his registration number….by the way?”