Energy minister draws own partymen's ire

Maharashtra Energy Minister Dileep Walse-Patil came under fire from his own party's MLAs, MPs and other senior party office-bearer for the ongoing power crisis in the state.

They were worried of their prospects during the 2009 Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.

Maharashtra is presently facing power shortages of around 5,000 Mw and the rural areas are witnessing power cuts of up to 16 hours a day.

They told the minister, "We were lucky during the local elections for not having to face the brunt of people's anger over the issue as the opposition parties were not organised and other issues also took cenntrestage and were important."

Admitting that during an extended meeting of state executive committee of the party, elected representative expressed concern over the power situation, state NCP president Arun Gujrati said, "Minister assured that by 2008-end agriculture will be provided power for eight hours continuously and, domestic and other consumers in villages will not suffer power cuts for such long hours by the end of next year."

But we may not be lucky during the Assembly elections as the state government takes the blame for the power situation and wherever they go they are reminded of the power crisis by the people and we can hardly give them any answers.

They also pointed out that ever since the Congress-NCP government came to power in the state, the energy ministry has remained with the NCP, so NCP will be worst hit during next assembly elections.

During the meeting they also pointed out that their alliance partner Congress is not losing an opportunity to hit out at the NCP for the power woes of the state.

They bluntly told the energy minister that the time to blame BJP-Sena rule for power situation is over. The Congress-NCP have been ruling the state for the last seven and half years, we want to see concrete action before we face the people.

Walse-Patil made a presentation elaborating the various measures the state government s taking to resolve the present problem.

He promised them that by 2008 the programme of feeder separation across the Maharashtra will through, which will allow to provide water to farmers for eight hours a day without any break.

And as the feeder supplying power to homes, schools, primary health centres, other government offices and small commercial establishment will be separated from agriculture feeders, villagers and people from smaller towns will get power for many more hours. They will not have to face 16 hours of power cuts.

Though the minister's assurance pacified the MLAs and other party functionaries, they were skeptical of minister's assurances becoming reality.