Karnataka in darkness due to govt’s inaction, claims BJP
Bengaluru: Senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, on Saturday criticised the state government over the power shortage in the state, accusing Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Energy Minister K.J. George of failing to anticipate the rise in electricity demand and make adequate arrangements.
In a statement, Ashoka described the state government as “short-sighted, unplanned and incompetent” and alleged that people across Karnataka were suffering due to frequent power cuts.
Ashoka said the state’s electricity demand had increased to around 20,000 MW and questioned the government’s preparedness despite indications of a decline in the southwest monsoon.
“Did the government not have even the basic common sense to take precautionary measures when the monsoon began to weaken?” he asked, holding Shivakumar and George responsible for the situation.
He alleged that the government was citing technical reasons related to the increase in power demand to evade responsibility.
“Because of your incompetence, inaction and irresponsibility, the entire state is now suffering from power shortages and erratic electricity supply,” Ashoka claimed.
He alleged that power cuts were being imposed continuously across the state, particularly in the mornings and after 6.30 pm.
Questioning the government’s decision to purchase only 200 MW of electricity, Ashoka said it was inadequate when the state’s demand was around 20,000 MW.
He alleged that the government had been highlighting the purchase of 100 MW each from Assam and Jindal as evidence that it was taking steps to manage the crisis.
“When the demand is 20,000 MW, what kind of administration purchases only 200 MW and claims that the situation is being handled?” Ashoka asked.
He also questioned the Energy Department’s preparedness, alleging that it had failed to enter into advance power purchase agreements despite the early indications of a possible shortage following a weak monsoon.
“What was the Energy Department doing when there were clear indications that the weakening monsoon could lead to a power shortage?” he asked.
Taking a dig at the Congress government’s election guarantee of free electricity, Ashoka said, “Those who distributed guarantee cards promising free electricity are now giving the people of Karnataka a guarantee of ‘free darkness’.”
Ashoka said farmers were struggling to access water due to power shortages, while traders, businesses and industries were facing difficulties in carrying out their operations. He also claimed that students were suffering because they were unable to study without adequate electricity supply.
Warning the government of growing public anger, Ashoka said that if immediate action was not taken, the people’s resentment would intensify and pose a serious challenge to the Congress.