Chandigarh/Alive News: Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij has urged electricity employees to call off their strike over the decision to allow a private company to distribute electricity in Gurugram and Nuh. He said the state government was preparing to challenge the order before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) and was working to seek a stay on the decision.
Responding to questions from the media, Vij said the strike was unnecessary because the government had already taken steps to oppose the move. He explained that the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission had issued the order allowing a private company to distribute electricity in the two districts.
Vij said the government had strongly opposed the proposal before the regulatory commission by appointing a senior lawyer and using all available legal options. He added that the government had not invited applications for privatisation, but the central law allows any individual or company to apply for permission to distribute electricity.
The minister said he was personally against privatisation, citing the substantial investment made in the power infrastructure and concerns over employees’ jobs. However, he clarified that the regulatory commission was an independent body and its decision could be challenged only through the appropriate legal process.
Vij said the government was working with officials to file an appeal within five to six days and seek a stay on the order. He urged employees and their leaders to cooperate with the government instead of continuing the strike.
He also invited the employees to suggest legal experts or provide advice to strengthen the case. If they wanted to recommend another lawyer or appoint their own legal representative, the government was open to considering their suggestions.
The minister criticised those who blamed the state government for the decision, saying they needed to understand the difference between the government and the independent regulatory commission.
Vij Responds to Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks on RSS
Reacting to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Vij questioned Gandhi’s understanding of the organisation. He suggested that Gandhi should attend an RSS shakha for a few days to learn about its activities and teachings.
On the issue of untouchability, Vij said people should live together as Indians, adding that everyone should identify with the country and its shared national identity.
