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Consistent power supply problem in Odisha despite abundant coal reserve indicates inefficiency of the Odisha government, said Narendra Modi, the prime ministerial candidate of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"My state does not have any coal, yet it produces surplus power to provide electricity to industries of other states. But here people have to live in dark despite sitting on coal deposits," the Gujarat Chief Minister said speaking in an election rally at Talcher.
Odisha produces nearly 1200 Mw power from thermal generators and hydro power stations and receives nearly 1500 Mw as its share from Central pool.
Three power producers and several dozen captive power units in the state generate around 2500 Mw, much lower than their actual capacity.
Taking a dig at slower clearance process of the Odisha government, the BJP leader said, many power plants in the state are sitting idle or running at less than installed capacity because of insufficient coal supply from Mahanadi Coalfield Ltd (MCL).
Several private power producers in the last year had to give up the coal mines allotted to them because of lack of clearances from the state government.
"Throw away such inactive government. Do not elect the person who does not speak your language. Give us a chance to rule Odisha and we will turn your dreams into reality," he said.
Modi said, if people vote for his party, he will become the watchman of country's treasury and let no one steal the property of nation.
During Talcher rally, he also responded to Rahul Gandhi's criticism of 'watchmen also steal' remark.
"Did he mean to say that those ministers who were involved in 2G spectrum scam, coal scam, defense scam and Haryana land scam, were the chowkidars who steal," he asked.
"I can sense that people of Odisha need a change. It is evident every time I visit the state," he said.
