Close on the heels of a violent protest by the Shiv Sena activists against the alleged hike in electricity charges by Anil Ambani-promoted Reliance Infrastructure in its licence area, Maharashtra industries minister Narayan Rane has sought cancellation of the company?s licence.
In a letter to chief minister Ashok Chavan, Rane has suggested that the government issued directive in this regard, under section 108 of the Electricity Act to the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC).
During his tenure as the revenue minister, Rane had suggested that arrest warrant be issued against Anil Ambani if the company delays the restoration of power supply and necessary infrastructure after the July 26, 2005 deluge in Mumbai.
He claimed that the government?s image was maligned due to callous and negative attitude of the company.
?There has been a strong anguish and dissatisfaction among the public against the present state of affairs of Reliance Infrastructure who has received licence to generate and distribute power in Mumbai suburbs. There are large-scale complaints against inflated bills charged by the company. There has been a substantial tariff hike during the last two years as those who were charged Rs 400-500 per month had to shell out Rs 1,400-1,500 last year and now it has further risen to Rs 2,400.?
Rane claimed even consumers using less units had been charged more tariff. The company is thus responsible for the exploitation of consumers, he said. On top of it, what is objectionable is that the company behaves irresponsibly when the government officials inquire into the status of complaints from consumers, he added.
Reliance Infrastructure sources declined to comment.
Rane?s missive to the chief minister is a calculated move to score over the rival Shiv Sena, which has resorted to its agitationist mode after the drubbing in the recently held Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai. Sena and BJP combine has lost all six seats in Mumbai.