Hooda leads Congress protest at thermal plant

Tribune News Service

Jharli (Jhajjar), January 5

Putting the BJP government in the dock over the surrender of the state’s share of power in the Indira Gandhi Super Thermal Power plant in Jharli, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today announced to a state-wide agitation if the government failed to withdraw its decision by January 31.

He also announced to organise a massive demonstration in Panipat on February 2 over the issue.

Earlier, Hooda along with Congress MLAs except Kiran Choudhry, Randeep Surjewala and Jai Tirth organised a dharna outside the power plant in Jharli village on the Jhajjar- Bahujhholari road .

The dharna organised by Jhajjar MLA Geeta Bhukkal lasted five hours. Every Congress leader decried the BJP government not only for surrendering the state’s power share but also booking Hooda in a criminal case.

“How can you (BJP government) claim that the state government has surplus electricity at the time when people residing in rural areas are crying for electricity across the state? ” asked Hooda.

Hooda said Haryana witnessed a hike of 15 to 20 per cent in the demand for electricity every year, which could be met only by enhancing power production but no effort had yet been made to raise the generation during the past over a year.

Tanwar backs Hooda stir outside plant

Karnal: Criticising the state government’s decision to surrender the state’s share of electricity from the 1500-MW Indira Gandhi Super Thermal Power Plant at Jharli village, state Congress president Ashok Tanwar today backed former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh, who protested outside the plant today. Tanwar said: “I am with my party leaders and workers on each and every issue related to public interest.” He asked the government to give details as to where was surplus electricity in the state.  On the contrary, there was a huge shortage of electricity in the state. Even rural and urban households were not getting power round the clock. Besides, farmers and industrialists had to wait for regular electricity, Tanwar asserted. He said the government was going to divert electricity at a time when the people were crying for power, especially in rural areas. TNS