J'khand Assembly stalled over Adani project

Ranchi, Mar 11: The Opposition, which disrupted the Assembly proceedings for two days over the land rate issue in Jharkhand's Santhal Pargana region, today stalled the first session over a clause in the MoU signed between the state and the Adani Power (Jharkhand) Limited.

Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik-JVM's) Legislature Party leader Pradip Yadav, who moved an adjournment motion against a clause in the MoU with Adani group, alleged it would hurt the interest of the state.

"The MoU signed with the Adani group on February 17, 2016, would benefit Bangladesh instead of the state as the MoU violated the Jharkhand Energy Policy, 2012," he said.

The Congress and JMM also supported Yadav's contention. As the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Saryu Roy told the Chair that the issue did not merit for such motion, the opposition members trooped to the Well.

Dismissing the allegations, the Chief minister said the government was more concerned for the state than the Opposition as the former got the people's mandate.

He also criticised the Opposition for resorting to 'vote bank politics' on every issue, prompting noisy slogans by the Opposition. Amid uproar, Das urged the Speaker Dinesh Oraon that if they continue it every day then let the Budget allocations of the remaining departments be passed through guillotine.

Later, Roy clarified to the media that Yadav's contention was wrong and quoted from the MoU that said, "The company, on first right of refusal, will supply 25 per cent of installed capacity to the state government on the notional tariff fixed by Jharkhand State Energy Regulatory Commission for the place where the project will be set up and as per the process and criteria laid down in the MoU."

Roy also quoted another clause from the MoU that said,"If Bangladesh government refuses to procure the entire 1600 MW power, then the government of Jharkhand will have the first right to procure the balance quantity of power of the company."

According to the MoU, M/S Adani Power (Jharkhand) Limited is desirous of setting up 1600 MW (2x800 MW) Coal based Thermal Power Project in the state of Jharkhand at a suitable location along with suitable coal blocks.

The ruckus by the Opposition MLAs and strong reaction by the ruling BJP prompted the Speaker Dinesh Oraon to adjourn the House twice in the morning session.

PTI