New Delhi, Oct 13 (Agency) Congress on Wednesday attacked the Union government over coal shortage, and said the country was paying for the “incompetence” of the union government. “While we’re heading into the festive season, states across India are heading into darkness,” Congress said in a tweet, as power cuts were reported from several parts of the country, and states complained of coal shortage. “For the last seven years, the country is facing the punishment of electing an incompetent Modi government. The Modi government could not stockpile coal despite the increase in power demand. How long would the country pay for the incompetence of the Modi government?” the Congress said.
“The government has failed to manage coal in the country, due to which a situation like black out has arisen. Modi government is proving to be a failure on every front,” the party said. Amid continuing coal shortage at power plants, the Union Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday said that cumulative coal supplies have increased to more than two million tonnes. He also stated that coal dispatch to power plants will be further increased to ensure sufficient stock with power plants. A government statement also said NLC India Ltd trying to increase coal production from 4 to 20 million tonnes per annum from next year. Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain had said on Tuesday that all coal-reliant power plants in Delhi are non-functional.