Mamata Warns Cops, Civil Officials against bribes

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee pulls up officials over unauthorised export of potatoes; CM also announces expansion of flagship Lakshmir Bhandar scheme

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West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee today issued a stern warning against certain sections of the police and civil administration, saying that they are taking bribes and the blame is falling on Trinamul Congress leaders.

Miss Banerjee, who was addressing a Press conference at Nabanna Sabhaghar on Thursday, linked this to the rising prices of essential commodities in the state, particularly of potatoes.

"Increasing potato prices in Bengal to make profits elsewhere, while I arrange insurance for farmers, cannot go hand in hand. I will not tolerate this," Miss Banerjee said.

She has also directed a task force meeting to be called immediately to address the hike in potato and onion prices. Additionally, she has ordered the sealing of borders to prevent the outflow of potatoes.

Miss Banerjee remarked: "We are self-sufficient in potato production. Yet, why are the people of our state paying inflated prices? I had no objection to selling surplus potatoes after meeting Bengal's needs. But what did I see? Attempts to raise prices in Bengal and profit by sending potatoes to other states! This is unacceptable."