Purulia (West Bengal) [India], September 22 (ANI): West Bengal MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato has written to the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, requesting an investigation into the price manipulation of onions in Bengal.
In his letter, he stated that onion prices in the state have been soaring because the Mamata Banerjee-led state government has prioritised political and personal gains over the welfare of the common people.
“Today, I write to you regarding an alarming issue that has unfolded in West Bengal–an issue that I would term ‘Mamata’s Onion Scam.’ Despite the recent reopening of the Jharkhand-West Bengal border, onion prices have dramatically soared, ranging from Rs745 to Rs760 per kilogramme and increasing daily. This inflation is no accident–it is the deliberate result of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s calculated manipulation of the market. The blockade, initially attributed to flood-related concerns, has now been exposed as a smokescreen for a larger conspiracy aimed at creating an artificial scarcity of essential goods,” the letter stated.
“At the heart of this crisis lies a web of politically connected hoarders–many of whom are close allies of Mamata Banerjee and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). These individuals, who control the cold storage and wholesale supply chains, have strategically used the border blockade to restrict the onion supply, allowing them to hoard large quantities and drive up prices. This is not just a case of market manipulation but a blatant violation of both the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980. Mamata Banerjee has turned a humanitarian crisis into an opportunity for her party’s close-knit network of profiteers. By blocking the free flow of goods under the false pretext of flood management, she has allowed her inner circle of hoarders to exploit the common man, especially during a time of rising inflation and economic hardship. This is nothing short of an orchestrated scam designed to inflate onion prices, fill the coffers of her associates, and create chaos in the market,” the letter added.
“The flood situation cited as the reason for the border closure bears no correlation to the extent of the disruption. It is now clear that the closure was timed and managed to manipulate the onion supply and allow politically connected individuals to hoard the commodity, causing prices to skyrocket. The reopening of the border has done little to relieve the situation because the damage has already been done through this intentional act of market sabotage. Consumers across West Bengal, already grappling with high living costs, are now paying the price for ‘Mamata’s Onion Scam.’ This scandal is not just a regional issue; it has ripple effects across eastern India and threatens to impact the broader national market. The manipulation of onion prices, facilitated by Mamata Banerjee’s administration, violates the fundamental rights of consumers and has caused unnecessary suffering to millions of families,” the letter further stated.
In his letter, Bengal MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato requested the Centre to launch an investigation into ‘Mamata’s Onion Scam,’ enforce strict penalties under the Essential Commodities Act and the Prevention of Black Marketing Act, ensure the release of buffer stocks, and closely monitor and regulate the market.
“Mamata Banerjee’s government has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to prioritise political and personal gains over the well-being of the people. This latest episode of price manipulation is just another chapter in a long history of governance failures. ‘Mamata’s Onion Scam’ must be exposed, and the perpetrators held accountable for their role in this unconscionable exploitation of the common man. I trust that your ministry, with its strong track record of protecting consumers, will take swift and decisive action to bring relief to the people of West Bengal. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter, and I remain confident in your leadership,” the letter concluded. (ANI)
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