Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS): Leader of Opposition and CPI-M politburo member Surjya Kanta Mishra Thursday flayed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the inflated price of potatoes and its dearth in many areas of the city.

Instead of the prices set by the state government at Rs.13 per kg in retail and at Rs.11 per kg in the wholesale market, potatoes are being sold at higher prices across the state. In some core markets, the tuber has gone off the shelves.

"I entirely hold the chief minister responsible for this...we have seen this before also on several other occasions. Wherever she is intervening, this is happening," Mishra told reporters here.

"The Bengal government has potatoes stocked up...though it has disappeared from the markets...why is she not releasing them?"

Mishra criticised her government for failing to prevent the price rise.

"What prevention? She keeps talking about prevention...she should act against those responsible for this. Many departments have been taken over by her, and we have seen her performance," he said.

Mishra also pointed out that many problems in the state are a result of her "interventions" in everything.

"The water issue with Damodar Valley Corporation, land issues, the state of IT sector is due to her interventions. She tells us to keep quiet, but it would do her a world of good if she does not talk because wherever she interferes, troubles ensue."

Banerjee stated Wednesday that until the prices stabilised in West Bengal, the produce will not be sold in other states.