Mumbai: NCP has triggered a fresh controversy while slamming the government over load-shedding across the state. The party alleged that the state was facing a coal shortage because the Centre had allotted more coal to BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan where Assembly polls were to take place.

The NCP demanded the resignation of energy minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule over the load-shedding issue.

Disputing Mr Bawankule’s claims that there was no shortage of power, NCP spokesman Nawab Malik alleged that the state was reeling under a power deficit of 3,000MW.