Idukki (Keralam) | Senior CPI(M) leader M M Mani on Friday alleged that an 'artificial' power shortage was being created in Keralam to facilitate power purchase agreements and earn commissions.
Speaking to reporters, he also alleged that Chief Minister V D Satheesan and the Electricity Minister (Sunny Joseph) lacked foresight in dealing with the current power crisis.
"My inference is that this artificial shortage is being created to enter into contracts and receive commissions. As the Congress is ruling, I legitimately suspect it. After all, these large power purchase agreements involve huge amounts," the former Electricity minister said.
Mani said Keralam could generate around 40 per cent of its electricity requirement locally if it received normal rainfall and fully utilised its hydropower potential.
The remaining 60 per cent would have to be met through power purchases under various agreements, he said, adding that this was how the sector was managed during his tenure as Electricity minister and under the LDF government.
He rejected the argument that the cancellation of long-term power purchase agreements signed during the Oommen Chandy government was responsible for the current crisis.
"It has been 10 years under Pinarayi Vijayan's government since those agreements made by the Oommen Chandy government were scrapped. Wasn't I the minister once during this period? Was there no crisis then?" he asked.
Mani said reduced rainfall and lower water levels could be managed through proper planning and foresight.
"It is a complete lack of foresight and absence of a clear policy that was at the core of the problem," he said.
He said the government should consult experts and take steps to ensure adequate power supply without causing hardship to the public.
"Neither the chief minister nor the minister handling this portfolio has any foresight. When power supply issues and rain shortages arise, shouldn't they consult experts in the field who know what needs to be done?" he asked.
Mani reiterated that his allegation of an artificial shortage was only a suspicion.
"My legitimate suspicion is whether an artificial shortage is being created solely to pocket commissions. These purchase agreements involve massive sums, which is why I suspect this. I only state what is true," he said.
Mani said the government's primary responsibility was to ensure that its decisions did not cause hardship to the public and called for greater foresight in managing the power sector.
"There must be loyalty to the people, foresight, and an attitude focused on helping the public. They should not focus on what goes into their own pocket," he said.