Congress Caused Power Crisis: Chandrababu Naidu

TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu said that the power crisis arose due to the inefficiency of the Congress government.

"While the power shortage is nine% nationwide, it is 19% in the state. The Chief Minister has been given kickbacks for allotting power plants to private parties," alleged the TDP president.

Speaking at a dharna in the course of his padayatra at the JNTU here, he said, "While the power is in surplus in north India, our state is reeling under an acute power crisis."

He also held YSR and Kiran Kumar Reddy responsible for the hike in power charges. The two leaders want to be in the good books of their "high command", and never think of people, he said.

"TDP supplied power even during drought," he said, "Though there was a severe drought for four consecutive years, we supplied quality power. Transmission loss can be curtailed if the lines are proper, and the supply is closely monitored". "The power sector has seen a Rs. 40,000 crore loss during the Congress rule," he said.

Meanwhile, several TDP leaders today met Governor E S L Narasimhan, and submitted a memorandum asking the government to roll back the prices.

Elsewhere, the party leaders held dharnas protesting against the hike in power charges. (INN)