Kerala CM blames past central policies for energy crisis; seeks urgent action
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Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday alleged that policies pursued by successive central governments led by the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, under what he described as United States influence, have contributed to the country’s current energy crisis.
In a statement, Vijayan said the ongoing conflict in West Asia has further aggravated the situation, pushing India’s energy security into uncertainty. He described India’s 2006 decision to withdraw from the proposed India-Iran gas pipeline project as a “historic mistake” that undermined long-term national interests, claiming the move was taken under pressure from the United States.
The Chief Minister also alleged that former Union Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar was removed by the Congress leadership for supporting the pipeline project and replaced by Murli Deora, which he said signalled a shift towards corporate-friendly policies.
Vijayan further claimed that subsequent policy changes prioritised corporate interests over strengthening India’s energy self-reliance. He added that even under the present Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, certain private energy companies appear to be receiving undue importance and benefits.
He also alleged that India has been yielding to external pressure in areas such as crude oil procurement from Russia, indicating what he described as a policy approach that prioritises international and corporate interests over national concerns.
Highlighting the impact of rising fuel prices and supply uncertainties, Vijayan said excessive dependence on international markets has pushed both common people and industries into distress, with service sectors such as hospitality being particularly affected.
He criticised the central government for not taking adequate precautionary measures, such as building strategic reserves, boosting domestic production, or ensuring diversified energy sources, despite evolving global conditions.
Describing the situation as “serious”, Vijayan urged the Centre to adopt immediate and far-sighted measures to safeguard India’s energy security. He emphasised the need for an independent energy and foreign policy, long-term fuel procurement agreements, strengthening domestic production capacity, promoting renewable energy, and protecting citizens from price rise.
With PTI inputs