Rajasthan CM holds the Centre responsible for the power crisis

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said the power shortage is a national crisis and the central government is failing to supply adequate coal. Scheduled power cuts have been a recurrent event in the state which prompted the CM to call out the problems in generating electricity.

He also criticised the State BJP for protesting against power cuts and putting pressure on electricity department workers by harassing them. He questioned: isn't it the job of the Centre to provide coal to states?

State BJP president Satish Poonia tweeted in response to Gehlot's statements and said contradictory statements are being given by the Department of Information and Public Relations and the CM regarding coal supply. He shared a picture of a DIPR letter dated April 24 which reads that there was no shortage of coal in Rajasthan.

Poonia pointed out that while the shortage of coal is often discussed, the letter of DIPR clarifies the state has no such shortage and will supply uninterrupted power. "This letter exposes the contradiction of the Chief Minister's words and deeds".

The CM stated today the rising temperature has caused a surge in electricity demand in 16 states. But coal is not being supplied accordingly. "I appeal to everyone to unite in this national crisis and support the government in improving the situation."

He also asked people to turn off non-essential electrical appliances at homes and workplaces.

Rajasthan has been suffering from severe power cuts ranging from 1 to 6 hours regularly. All divisional headquarters including the capital have a one-hour power cut every day. Districts and towns have two and three hours of scheduled power cuts on a daily basis. Rural areas are struggling with up to six hours of power cuts.