BJD threatens street protest over fertilizer crisis in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Sep 1 (UNI) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the principal opposition party in Odisha, today threatened to launch street protests if the BJP government fails to resolve the ongoing
fertilizer crisis in the state.
Addressing a press conference, BJD Vice President and former Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak said farmers are distressed due to acute shortage and rampant black marketing of fertilizers.
Nayak alleged large-scale irregularities in fertilizer distribution.
He pointed out that while the official price of a 45 kg fertilizer bag is Rs 242, media reports
indicate it is being sold at Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 in several parts of the state.
He accused the government of downplaying the crisis by claiming that there was an adequate
supply of fertilizer.
“In many areas, farmers have already taken to the streets as fertilizers remain unavailable and unaffordable,” Nayak added.
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, Nayak said former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik had written to union Minister for Fertilizers and Chemicals J.P.
Nadda, urging him to ensure adequate supply to Odisha and expedite the operationalization
of the Talcher fertilizer plant.
Nayak further claimed that following Patnaik’s letter, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi
reviewed the situation and directed officials to take corrective measures. The review reportedly found that around 1,200 fertilizer outlets had been booked for malpractice. While 62 sales centers were suspended, 30 were permanently shut down.
“The review clearly exposed irregularities in fertilizer sales. Instead of denying the crisis, the government must admit its failures and take immediate steps to resolve the problem,” Nayak asserted.
He added, “The so-called ‘double-engine government’ has actually lost one of its engines. Fertilizer supply is the latest in a series of failures.”
Reiterating BJD’s commitment to farmers, Nayak warned that the party would hit the streets if the government fails to act swiftly.