Centre's role in power sector not acknowledged: BJP

Hyderabad: Adilabad’s BJP legislator Payal Shankar said that while the BRS had lied about giving 24 hours power, the Congress promises on power supply and its financial implications are quite worrisome. The BRS, while claiming credit for the improved power supply in the state, did not acknowledge the stellar facilitating role of the Centre.

Questioning the contention of the BRS that the supply of 24-hour power had led to an absence of any agitations for power, he asked, “Did the people have freedom to protest or hold dharnas without facing arrests? Power is critical for the growth of all sectors, more so for agriculture. The power situation has improved in the country because of the central government. Today, we are the third largest power producer in the world.”

The formation of a north-south grid, which helped in the improvement of power position, in response to a letter by the then chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, was not acknowledged. Metres were fixed to motors in Andhra Pradesh and the free power scheme is continuing unhindered. The pending subsidies, critical for survival of small industries and providing employment, should be released, he said.

Egging on the Congress government to opt for solar power, which costs Rs four crore per megawatt, as against the existing 'nine crore per megawatt, he said that the state should join the Centre’s UDAY scheme.