By IANS,
Kolkata : Patriarch of West Bengal’s ruling Left Front Jyoti Basu Friday described Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi’s decision to observe a two-hour voluntary power cut every day as a “childish” act.
“Whatever he is doing is a childish act. The governor enjoys certain dignity. He should have discussed the matter with the state power minister (Mrinal Banerjee) and enquired about the present situation of power supply in West Bengal,” Basu told reporters at the CPI-M state headquarters in Alimuddin Street here.
He said by making such comments, the governor was opposing the state government.
“If he really had any suggestion, he should share it with the state power minister. But instead of that he is taking a childish stand,” said Basu.
Former chief minister Basu had come to CPI-M’s state headquarters to attend the party’s state secretariat meeting that takes place every Friday.
From Wednesday, West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi has been observing a voluntary two-hour power cut at his palatial Raj Bhavan to share the ordeal faced by Kolkata residents due to daily power outages.
Raj Bhavan does not have power cuts, as it is supplied by a dedicated line provided by the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation.
Earlier, reacting to Gandhi’s move, Left Front chairman Biman Bose had charged Gandhi with “forgetting his limitations and his responsibilities”.
West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee took a more pacific stand. He said the power problem in the state needed a logical solution.
“Supply of electricity in West Bengal is at par with the demand. But over the last few days there has been mechanical as well as natural hazards that resulted in the dismal power scenario. But the situation is under control.”
“Solution to every problem needs logical thinking and right action. The government cannot afford to be unreasonable. Let others do what they want, but I am only concerned for the welfare of Bengal,” Bhattacharjee said at a press conference.
He added that electricity would reach every house in all the 3,700 villages across West Bengal by 2012.
“At present over 60 percent houses in all villages have power supply,” he said.
Following Gandhi’s footsteps, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has also decided to observe a two-hour voluntary power cut at her home every day, starting Friday.