Coal in the BJP States 1

Coal in the BJP States

CHATTISGARH
The State of Chhattisgarh relies heavily on the iron/steel, with the government
engaged in several MOUs for power and steel projects. the BJP-led state government,
very responsibly tried to protect the interests of the state and ensure that these projects
are not adversely affected.
Of utmost importance is the Chief Minister, Dr Raman Singh’s point that the Centre
should implement the change in policy after consultation with the state government,
who have much at stake. (Dr Raman Singh’s letters to the Centre and the Prime Minister
can be found in Annexure V).
Contrary to the government allegation that the State opposed the policy vehemently,
Dr Raman Singh merely asked for reasonable consultation between the States and the
Centre. The CM also requested that in case the policy of competitive bidding is implemented,
that the coal mined be shared among the centre and the state. This is hardly
vehement opposition, as alleged by the Prime Minister and his government.