BJP Criticises AAP Over Ongoing Power Cuts in Punjab

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has voiced strong criticism against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab regarding ongoing electricity outages affecting residents. At a recent press conference held in Ludhiana, Anil Sarin, the state general secretary of Punjab BJP, questioned the rationale behind the frequent power cuts, which are reported to last between six and eight hours daily.

During the conference, Sarin cited recent figures released by the Punjab Power Minister that indicated the state’s coal stock is currently at approximately 117% of its usual requirement. He emphasised that the situation points more towards issues of power generation and management rather than a shortage of coal.

Sarin pointed out that several thermal power plants are underperforming. He specified the operational capacity of the Ropar thermal plant at merely 36.4%, while Lehra Mohabbat is running at 28.7%. In comparison, the Nabha Power plant is functioning at around 50% capacity. He noted that an independent power plant operated by Nabha Power, however, is managing to sustain a higher operational rate of about 93%.

“If coal stocks are at 117% and people are still sitting without electricity for eight hours, the AAP government owes Punjab an explanation,” Sarin stated during the address. He called upon the state government to disclose detailed plant-wise generation statistics, coal availability, the operational status of each unit, and the justifications for the extended shutdowns.

The BJP representative further accused the AAP government of shifting the focus towards the central government when discussing the power situation. Sarin reminded that the responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and effective use of Punjab’s electricity generation infrastructure lies with the state authorities, and citizens deserve better accountability regarding their power supply issues.