Bengaluru: Amid concerns over the possible privatisation of electricity distribution in Karnataka following reports that Tata Power Company has sought a distribution licence from Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), chief minister DK Shivakumar and energy minister KJ George Monday sought to allay employees’ fears, stating state govt has not taken any decision to privatise power corporations.Speaking at a felicitation programme, organised by Federation of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Employees’ Unions and Associations at Palace Grounds, Shivakumar said he alone cannot unilaterally decide whether power corporations should remain free from privatisation and added the matter will be discussed at the cabinet meeting before any decision is taken.“You are protesting against privatisation of power corporations. Everyone is waiting to hear what I will say. But this issue first came up in 2003. Who brought in the law related to it? It was BJP govt. None of you raised your voice then…” the CM said.Prior to that, George categorically said there is currently no proposal to privatise electricity distribution in Karnataka and emphasised the energy department is fully capable of delivering reliable power supply.You Laid Power Lines, Should Private Companies Make Profit Now?Making use of the platform of power sector employees’ gathering, CM Shivakumar mounted a strong political pitch, blending sharp criticism of privatisation initiated during the BJP-led govt with an appeal aimed at consolidating support from the engineering and power sector workforce across Karnataka.“I want to ask your organisation’s office-bearers — has anyone ever spoken out against or opposed the law brought in by the BJP? The BJP leaders keep criticising everything. Their criticism will fade away, but our work will remain forever. All of you are the backbone of our govt. Privatisation has already been implemented in several cities, including Mumbai and Delhi. For hundreds of years, it is you who have laid the power lines with the govt standing behind you. And now they say private companies should be given the authority to provide connections so they can make money,” he said.‘Give & Take Relationship: If You Stand By Us, We Will Stand By You’Reinforcing his outreach to the workforce, Shivakumar projected a “give-and-take” relationship between the govt and employees, stating that mutual trust and support would define the govt’s approach. “Just because you shout ‘DK, DK,’ I neither become overexcited nor do I remain shaken. Ours is a give-and-take relationship, built on sharing and caring principles. You must show us (Congress) concern, and we will replicate that for you. Will you all remain committed to this understanding? You want your govt to return to power in 2028, don’t you? We must walk the talk and keep our promises. Minister George has already told me privately that all Escom chairpersons are of the view that privatisation must not happen under DK Shivakumar’s tenure under any circumstances. I have already expressed my stand on this matter, and I alone cannot decide on it. Your opinion is my opinion. I will honour the trust you have placed in me,” he promised.Stating that trust is one of the finest human qualities, Shivakumar said, “I am placing my trust in you and will make a decision in the next Cabinet meeting. If you betray that trust, I will have to turn towards the decision taken by Vajpayee’s govt. Do not let that happen. The bond between us must remain strong,” he said.
