Bengal minister loses his portfolio over potato prices

The rising prices of potato in West Bengal cost minister Arup Roy his job after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday took over the charge of agricultural marketing department. Roy,however,will remain in her cabinet without a portfolio.

After making a trip to Kolkatas vegetable markets Wednesday morning,the Chief Minister summoned Roy and informed him of her decision. Speaking to mediapersons,Mamata narrated how she conveyed her decision to the minister. Arup,I am taking over your department. You understand how difficult the situation has become. But you will remain in the cabinet, Mamata said.

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To check prices of potato,which started selling at Rs 20-22 per kilo,the government has fixed the ceiling price at Rs 13 per kg in retail. But it has not proved to be effective yet.