The continuing potato crisis in Odisha due to restrictions of the West Bengal government has become the theme of a Ganesh Puja Pandal in Berhampur.
This Ganesh Puja pandal in Gouda Street of Badabazar is drawing large crowds. As per the organisers, it was their effort to create awareness regarding the reason behind the recent potato crisis through the puja.
The pandal has depicted Lord Ganesha as a potato seller with a traditional balance in hand.
Instead of laddoos, baskets of potatoes have been arranged in front of the deity.
Banners of Patnaik and Didi On both sides of the pandal, there are banners to throw light on the recent potato crisis in Odisha. One banner has pictures of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
As per this banner, stopping of trucks carrying fish from Andhra Pradesh to West Bengal via Odisha as a retaliatory measure against West Bengal’s decision to stop transportation of potatoes to Odisha goes against the federal structure of the country.
What about common man? Other banners depict cartoons on potato crisis in the State with the hint that the common man is suffering, while politicians seem to be complacent towards the crisis.
According to Pranita Patnaik, a housewife in the city, this Ganesh pandal was the most innovative pandal of the year.
She thanked the organisers for using this festival for building up awareness of an issue of public importance. At present, potato is being sold between Rs. 26 and Rs. 30 per kilogram in different parts of Odisha.
