From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Belagavi, Oct 19: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar accused the previous BJP regime of doing nothing to increase the State’s power generation during the four years it was in power and now the Congress government is embarking on plans to enhance the power generation.

Addressing the media at the Belagavi circuit house on Thursday, he said that he was not interested talking about the BJP’s failures but would like to know why the previous government did precious little to increase power generation in the four years it was ruling the State.

When Congress was in power during 2013-18, the installed power generation capacity was substantially increased and the failure of the BJP during the last four years to increase power generation is responsible for the present precarious situation.

Shivakumar said he along with Energy Minister K J George visited the Pavagada Solar Power Park on the very next day of assuming office.

“We are doing our best to increase solar power generation and are coming with a new comprehensive policy on solar power generation,’’ he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister explained that the failure of monsoon even for one day would result in a loss of Rs 1000 crore to the State. This year, the State has been facing severe shortage of rainfall and is facing drought situation in over 200 out of the 236 taluks in the State.

The State Government is purchasing power from private sources at Rs 6 to 7 per unit and supplying power to IP sets of farmers.

Shivakumar said the government knows how to protect the interests of people and is not worried about the launch of health insurance scheme in the border areas by Maharashtra government.

To a question on Tamil Nadu government’s invitation for tenders for launching metro rail network from Bommasaandra to Hosur, he said the project was initiated when BJP was in power.

The proposed metro line will benefit people from both States and the project is funded by the Union government to the tune of 50%.

The Tamil Nadu government has merely invited tenders and conducting feasibility studies. “We cannot prevent another State Government from implementing projects in its territory as it ultimately benefits people,’’ he said pointing out that operating transport services and buses from Karnataka to Maharashtra or Tamil Nadu cannot be prevented.

The Railways are operating train services to different States and also from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. All of these are parts of India and there can be no objection, he asserted.

Answering another question, he made it clear that senior Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi has himself clarified that there is no difference of opinion between him and the Deputy Chief Minister. When he himself has clarified, where the question is, he asked.

Replying to a question on Hiremath Swamiji blessing him to become Chief Minister as early as possible, Shivakumar said the priority before the party is to provide a stable government for five years.

“Everybody has ambitions and all have their own wishes. But our priority is to give good administration,’’ he added.