Overview
- The state BJP chief, who spoke Thursday, said at least five potato farmers had died by suicide since February and blamed TMC policies.
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told rally audiences in North Bengal that the state will help growers who lost crops to untimely rain.
- BJP leaders alleged the government blocked inter-state potato shipments and pushed cold-storage owners to buy at above-market rates, claims not backed by official documents in these reports.
- The Hindu reported a bumper crop with prices falling by ₹200 to ₹250 per quintal, which has left many farmers selling at a loss.
- The BJP also urged the Election Commission to tighten security during the Assembly polls, which are set for April 23 and April 29 with counting on May 4.