The power crisis in Andhra Pradesh due to shortage of coal supply to thermal power plants has definitely landed the Jagan Mohan Reddy government in an embarrassing situation.
Not long ago, the leaders in Andhra Pradesh were predicting that Telangana state would plunge into major power crisis due to bifurcation of combined state and the state would witness darkness all over.
But now, Andhra Pradesh is witnessing such a situation, while Telangana is sitting pretty in power generation and supply position. Telangana is not only power surplus but is also selling additional power to other states, including Andhra Pradesh at a very high cost.
For the last few days, there have been analytical reports in the media about lack of foresight by the Jagan government in predicting the crisis and its decision to purchase power from the grid at a very high cost. Of course, the opposition parties have lost no time in attacking the chief minister.
The statement of the energy department over the power crisis and that of state government advisor Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy about impending power cuts has drawn criticism from all quarters. His request to the womenfolk to reduce power consumption from 6 pm to 10 pm also received brickbats.
“How can womenfolk tolerate power cuts in the evening? It is during this period that they watch popular serials like Karthika Deepam on television channels. The government cannot deprive them of the opportunity to watch Karthika Deepam,” commented former Union minister Chinta Mohan.
He charged the government with pushing the state into darkness due to its inept handling of the power supply position.
