Sule slams MSEDCL over outages, tariff hike

Nationalist Congress PartySharadchandra Pawar (NCPSP) MP from Baramati, Supriya Sule, on Monday visited the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) main office in Rasta Peth to protest what she described as "insufficient" power supply to Pune's industrial and residential areas. She also criticised the state-run utility for raising tariffs on the eve of Diwali.

- Varad Bhatkhande

Speaking to reporters after the visit, Sule said, "Industrial and residential parts of Mulshi, Bhor, Velha, Pirangut, and Khadakwasla within my constituency are facing electricity cuts of four to five hours daily. We have complained to the authorities several times, but the situation remains the same. Others and I from the party took a review here. The Maharashtra Government claims we are a surplus state, but still, electricity is not enough. The government has to answer."

Sule warned that a lack of reliable power could drive away investors. "No investments will come to the state, and ones already present here will leave," she said. She added that MSEDCL officials had sought 15 days to improve supply. "In a city like Pune, I have to ask for electricity in industrial areas like Pirangut. Many big factories are there; every one of them is disappointed. I get calls and letters from them expressing disappointment. This should change as soon as possible," she said.

Warning of protest over tariff hike