Congress Slams Haryana Government Over Power Crisis, Demands Cancellation of Private Firm’s Tender

Questioning Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s position on the issue, Surjewala alleged that the government was seeking to transfer control of the power distribution system to a private company for undisclosed benefits.

In a video message posted on X, the Congress leader said the electricity and water shortages were affecting households, businesses and industries across Haryana. He claimed that frequent power disruptions were leaving people struggling with basic necessities and prompting public protests.

Surjewala questioned why the state government wanted to hand over the power distribution system to a single private company. He alleged that the process was being pursued in Gurugram and Nuh because of the potential commercial gains in these areas.

He also claimed that Saini had held several meetings on the matter even as the government maintained that it was working to resolve the crisis.

Raising questions about the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC), Surjewala argued that the state government could not disassociate itself from decisions taken by regulatory authorities. He alleged that the government had appointed the commission’s members and questioned whether it had authorised the proposed transfer of the distribution system to a private company.

The Congress leader further challenged the government’s stated opposition to the move, asking why it had not intervened or issued a warning to the companies involved.

Holding the Saini government responsible for any further deterioration in electricity services, Surjewala said the administration would have to answer for public protests and financial losses suffered by the power distribution system.

Citing Section 108 of the Electricity Act, he said the state government had the authority to intervene and called for immediate action.

Surjewala urged the government to consult electricity workers’ unions and cancel the tender awarded to the private company. He warned that failure to do so would raise further questions about the government’s intentions and alleged that those involved in the process would be accountable for its consequences.

The Haryana government’s response to Surjewala’s allegations was not included in his statement.