Energy minister must step down: Sachin Sawant

Alleging that energy minister Chandrashekhar Bavankule had gone out of his way to waive electricity duty to JSW, Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant demanded an FIR be lodged against him. Mr Sawant also demanded the minister’s resignation for his alleged involvement in ‘corruption’ involving Rs 572 crore. “The minister has granted electricity duty waiver to JSW by flouting norms.

He did not realise that such a decision was taken for one and half months. But after we sought information through RTI, the decision was stayed. The minister also admitted in writing that the decision was taken inadvertently. How can the government operate so casually This is criminal offence, as a huge sum of Rs 572 crore is involved and hence an FIR should be booked against the minister,” Mr Sawant demanded.

RTI documents had revealed that the energy department waived off Rs 572 crore in electricity duty without following norms. The decision of waiving off the duty was taken on August 26 and was stayed on October 14 after the RTI was filed.

Mr Bavankule defended his decision while speaking to media and refused to accept any allegation made by Mr Sawant. The minister, who also tried to shield his department’s secretary, who had signed the decision, has not announced any inquiry into the matter.

Mr Sawant has claimed that the minister had benefited from the move. “The way things happened clearly indicates that a financial transaction was done and the minister has benefited from it. Despite pointing out irregularities, no action has been taken against anyone. The minister’s direct involvement is clear and he should resign from the government,” Mr Sawant alleged. The Congress spokesperson has also threatened to “expose” the minister further on the same issue.