The list of proposals which will come under the microscope includes the 495mw Palghar plant of BSES and seven short gestation power projects with capacity ranging between 150mw and 180mw.

As far as the Dabhol power project is concerned, the coalition partners had made it clear even before the elections were announced they would review its second phase if they assumed power. This has been reiterated once again.

"New ministries will assess the major policy decisions taken by the predecessors. These include investment approvals and clearances for new projects granted by the previous government during the last few months of its rule," said the sources, adding, "If needed, some of the issues can be discussed in the Cabinet."

The decision to have a relook at some of the projects is, however, not linked to the present government's stand on Dabhol, the sources said. Approvals for supplement demands like funding requirement for various schemes and departments would be upheld to facilitate the continuation of plans.

The Congress and the NCP have been opposing the previous government's stance on BSES's proposal, as it was taken when the election code of conduct had come into effect. Subsequently, the government was asked to stop further moves on the issue, including official intimation regarding consent to the company.

The other six of the seven short gestation power projects which will come under the glare of the new government include Sinnar and Mahad (awarded to Larsen & Tourbo), Kagal at Kolhapur (Ashok Leyland), Ranjangaon near Pune (Natelco-led consortium), Chincholi Kate near Solapur (consortium of Deccan Conical), Malaysian Shipyard & Engineers, and Wai at Satara (Ispat and P&T Industries). No decision has yet been taken on the Waluj project. Ranging from 150mw to 180mw, these projects will collectively generate around 1,200mw.

While clearing the proposals, the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance had maintained that this was part of the routine work of the government, as the proposals were already under scrutiny.

Though the decision on the projects was announced in July first week before the code of conduct came into force, some quarters had criticised that in view of the approaching elections, the government should not have announced a decision on these proposals.

However, before the state department of energy could approve the minutes of the Cabinet meeting (which discussed the projects) and communicate to the corportes which were awared the projects, the code came into force. The government was advised not to take further action on the projects till the code was lifted.

According to the sources, the process should be stopped until further notice. "Even if the letters of intent are sent to the concerned parties, no further action would be taken till the concerned ministry gives the nod," they said, adding, once the portfolios are allocated the projects will be cleared on a priority basis.