Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh decision to cancel power purchase agreements (PPAs) has evoked a sharp reaction from Telangana, which yesterday threatened to hit back in other sectors.
A minister from Telangana even indirectly threatened to cut electricity to houses of Andhra Pradesh chief minister, ministers, secretariat and assembly in Hyderabad, which is the common capital of the two states.
Irrigation Minister Harish Rao termed the decision of the Andhra Pradesh government unilateral and alleged that it is a violation of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.
He warned Andhra that people of Telangana can hit back in many other sectors and urged it to immediately withdraw its decision.
The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to take steps to ensure that electricity is consumed where it is generated. As part of this decision, it urged the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) to cancel PPAs signed by the then united state with the electricity distribution companies.
The move could add to the electricity shortage in power-deficit Telangana. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao yesterday held a meeting with officials to review the situation created by the decision of the neighbouring state.
Harish Rao said the decision was ridiculous as the tariff was decided on the basis of the PPAs.
“Hyderabad is a common capital. Your secretariat and assembly have to function here. Don’t you require electricity to your houses,” Harish Rao asked the Andhra Pradesh government.
“If you go ahead with this, then people of Telangana may have to think of alternatives in many sectors,” he said. IANS
