Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Nov 22: State energy minster K S Eshwarappa has questioned the sincerety of Congress leaders Veerappa Moily, S M Krishna and H D Revanna, who are passing critical comments against the state government for  the shortage of power. "Did they have any foresight when in power about the future problems the state might face?," he questioned.

Speaking to the media men who met him after the inauguration of Rajyotsava celebrations of  KPTCL Kannada Sangha here, he said that the Congress leaders think,  that it is important for them to speak because they are in the opposition. Except during the term of ex-chief minister J H Patel, no other chief minister tried to augment power resources of the state during their tenures, he said.

"The demand for power now is far more than it was during S M Krishna's chief ministership. Because of the intiatives taken by Patel, he did not face much problems on this front. Even as compared to last year, demand for power has gone up by 20%. The life term of most of  the thermal power plants in Raichur have expired. Why did these leaders not think of re-installation of the plants when in power?" he asked.

Refuting charges of  D K Shivkumar's  that there is no stock of coal in Bellary, Eshwarappa said that 2.5 lac  tonnes of coal has been stocked there. "I am prepared to resign if there is no stock of coal. Is Shivkumar prepared for the challenge and do the same if found wrong?," he questioned.

The government is ready  to talk to Tamilonadu government. The projects in Hogenakal, Mekedatu etc.,  can be executed with partnerships of both states. Karunanidhi should stop politicising the issues, he opined.