SP opposes privatisation move, minister counts benefits

THE SP MEMBERS STAGED A WALKOUT FROM THE HOUSE, SAYING THEY WERE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE MINISTER'S REPLY.

- HT Correspondent

LUCKNOW: The issue of the proposed privatisation of power distribution in Uttar Pradesh was raised vociferously in the Vidhan Parishad here on Wednesday with the Samajwadi Party (SP) members opposing it while energy minister AK Sharma recounted the benefits of privatisation.

Amid allegations by the Samajwadi Party members, the minister said that the SP's real worry was organised power theft that was unlikely to continue under the private companies. He said there were certain areas in most cities where conducting raids was a tough task. The minister cited a recent example of Sambhal where half-a-dozen mosques were found collectively involved in power theft to the extent of 130 KW.