Task force raids Kolkata markets over rising prices after CM's instructions

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the increasing prices of essential vegetables like potatoes and onions, despite the oversight of the Task Force. She expressed concern over the growing influence of middlemen who, she claimed, were driving up the costs. Mamata highlighted the challenges the state faces in controlling prices due to these traders’ actions. She emphasized that while the Task Force was keeping a check on the markets, the role of middlemen was proving to be a significant obstacle.

In response to these issues, Task Force officials conducted surprise raids in several markets across Kolkata on Friday morning. The markets included areas like Salt Lake, where officials inspected vegetable stalls to ensure no illegal price surcharges were being applied. The team checked for any violations related to excessive pricing and warned traders of potential police action if any wrongdoing was found. These raids were part of ongoing efforts by the government to control the spiraling costs and address concerns related to market manipulation by middlemen.

Mamata also spoke about the export of potatoes, questioning whether this practice was contributing to local price hikes. She raised the issue during her Thursday statement, stating, "I don’t take a penny. So, why should others benefit from it?" She stressed that her actions were aimed at protecting the public from unfair pricing practices, noting that if her party needed funds, she would seek contributions from the people rather than exploiting consumers. Her comments underscored her dissatisfaction with the prevailing situation in the vegetable market.

Following the raids, the state government has scheduled a meeting with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Task Force officials to discuss further actions to address the price hike issue. The government is expected to explore more measures to ensure that market prices remain under control and that middlemen do not exploit consumers. The Task Force raids are seen as part of a broader initiative to regulate market practices and prevent illegal price manipulation in West Bengal’s food markets.