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18.1.11

Pawar, Vikhe-Patil spar over Mula Pravara

Power distributor MSEDCL's efforts to take over the egregious Mula Pravara society that owes over Rs 2,000 crore to it has turned into a war of words between deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and agriculture minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil.


Pawar, who holds the power portfolio, had announced that stringent action against the society run by Vikhe-Patil's father. Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) held a public hearing on Friday to decide of MSEDCL's petition to take over Mula Pravara. Vikhe-Patil had threatened to burn down MSEDCL's infrastructure in nearby villages if power supply to the society was disconnected.


Mula Pravara buys power from MSEDCL and distributes it among its consumers, mostly farmers. Vikhe-Patils, with an eye on votes have not collected power bills since years. As a result, the amount owed to MSEDCL has crossed Rs 2,000 crore. The society is not paying even the current power bills now.


In public hearing held in Shrirampur (district Ahmednagar), where the society's head office is situated, most Mula Pravara consumers opposed take over by MSEDCL. Some Vikhe-Patil's supporters threatened violence if MSEDCL tried to take over the society. TOI had pointed out earlier this month that there was little chance of a fair hearing as it was scheduled in Shrirampur.


Only a few consumers supported MSEDCL's petition. Subordinate Engineers' Association (SEA) of MSEDCL and some consumers from others areas were among them. Surprisingly, none of the designated consumer representatives were present for the hearing.


Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have not taken Vikhe-Patil's threats lying down. Pawar and other NCP leaders pointed out that due to persistent default by Mula Pravara, MSEDCL's losses were increasing, which had reduced its credit rating. Pawar told the media on Monday that because of MSEDCL's low credit rating, it was getting loans for infrastructure projects at higher rate of interest. This burden was being borne by all MSEDCL consumers.


Vikhe-Patil was in Nagpur for an agriculture related seminar but did not comment on this controversy. It has been referred to Congress-NCP coordination commitee, it is learnt.
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