New Delhi, April 11 Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday criticized the West Bengal government, accusing it of restricting the access of the state's potato farmers to markets in neighboring states.
Referring to remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during an election rally in the state, Pradhan alleged that the "arrogance" of the state government is causing potato farmers in West Bengal to struggle to get a fair price for their produce.
He accused the Mamata Banerjee government of harming the livelihoods of these farmers by restricting access to markets in neighboring states.
In a post on X, Pradhan stated that Home Minister Shah had "brought to light the real plight of potato farmers during a public meeting in Onda, West Bengal."
He said that markets in neighboring states such as Odisha and Jharkhand have been effectively closed to them, severely impacting their income.
Pradhan stated that this situation reflects the anti-farmer approach of the Trinamool Congress government, where intermediaries have flourished while potato farmers continue to suffer despite their hard work in the fields.
He further stated that the focus of the state government has shifted away from farmers' welfare towards sustaining syndicate networks, resulting in poor price realisation for key crops such as potatoes.
Pradhan also reiterated assurances made by Shah that if the Bharatiya Janata Party forms the government in West Bengal, potatoes from the state would gain access to markets across the country, including Odisha and Jharkhand.
He added that a BJP government would ensure full value for potato farmers' produce and restore their dignity, asserting that they would receive their rightful dues after a political change in the state.
