22 November, 2024; In a significant development concerning allegations of ties between the Odisha government and the Adani Group, BJD MLA Pratap Keshari Deb has firmly refuted claims implicating the previous state government. Addressing the matter, he described the accusations as “baseless” and provided a detailed explanation of Odisha’s energy procurement policies.
Deb clarified that Odisha has no direct agreements with the Adani Group or Adani Green Energy for energy purchase. He emphasized that the state relies on the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), a public sector undertaking under the Government of India, for its green energy requirements. SECI, tasked with promoting renewable energy, issued a tender for 12 gigawatts of green energy, which was allocated to various states to fulfill their industrial and environmental obligations.
Green Energy and Odisha’s Strategy
Odisha, being a state with a heavy industrial base but limited renewable energy resources, depends on the central energy pool managed by SECI. “States with significant industries, particularly export-driven industries, are mandated to use green energy to comply with India’s carbon emission reduction policies,” Deb stated. This makes sourcing renewable energy essential for Odisha’s industrial sustainability.
Privatisation of Electricity Distribution
Addressing the specific claim that energy distribution involves direct dealings with Adani, Deb highlighted the privatization of Odisha’s electricity distribution network in 2020. Since then, Tata Power has managed the distribution of electricity across the state. “The government does not interfere in electricity distribution after privatisation. Thus, allegations targeting the government are without merit,” Deb remarked.
Call for Clarity in Criticism
The MLA also cautioned against baseless allegations, emphasizing that critics must understand the layered and decentralized nature of energy procurement and distribution in Odisha. By attributing the arrangement to SECI and underlining the privatisation of DISCOMs, Deb sought to distance the state government from the claims linking it to the Adani Group.
Context of Allegations
The issue arises amidst broader debates over corporate influence and energy policy transparency across India. In Odisha’s case, the allegations appear to stem from the inclusion of green energy within its industrial policies, which are governed by central and private entities rather than direct state interventions.
As Odisha continues to develop its industrial infrastructure, ensuring energy sustainability remains a priority. However, the political debates around the Adani Group’s influence bring to the fore the complex interplay between public and private entities in India’s energy sector.
