Bengaluru, Oct 16 (DHNS): JD(S) State president H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday suggested that former energy minister Shobha Karandlaje was indirectly responsible for the power crisis in the State.

Addressing the gathering during the party convention in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy hit out at Karandlaje for setting the precedent of purchasing power from outside, which was now burdening consumers.

“Karandlaje set the precedent of power purchase, through which she used to get huge commissions. The same trend is being followed by the present energy minister,” he said.

He said there was no need to purchase power had the department concerned not slackened.

Targets D K Shivakumar

Criticising Energy Minister D K Shivakumar for signing an agreement for long-term power purchase at Rs 4.50 per unit, Kumaraswamy said that if there had been proper planning, the department need not have taken this route.

“The government is looting consumers in the name of energy projects. Karnataka is purchasing solar energy at Rs 9 per unit, while Maharashtra is purchasing the same at Rs 5.05 per unit,” he added.

Earlier, party national president H D Deve Gowda said he would ensure his party came back to power.

He said he would tour the entire State to reorganise the party in view of the taluk and zilla panchayat elections in December.

He said his party would survive only if the defunct district and taluk party units were revived.