“The BJP is submitting a memorandum of demands to the Spanco authorities in a very peaceful manner. But with an ultimatum. If the Spanco still did not come clean and transparent and not stop their actions of nuisance for consumers, then the Spanco and the State Government would face the dire consequences at the hands BJP. The BJP will launch an intense agitation of no parallel to force Spanco to do the wrong the correct or force the Maharashtra Government cancel the agreement with the company,” Kumbhare warned with anger writ large on his face.
Nagpur News: The scenario in front of the Headquarters of Spanco (SNDL) was red-hot and steaming as dozens of BJP leaders and hundreds of harassed power consumers hit the spot to protest Spanco’s dictatorial actions and seek the justice.
The protesters were led by the BJP’s Central Nagpur MLA Vikas Kumbhare who had earlier stormed the Spanco HQ along with hundreds of anguished consumers. The mob of consumers had resorted to violent acts and had damaged the Spanco properties to the tune of lakhs of rupees.
However, this time the BJP MLA Kumbhare talked of peace. While talking to Nagpur Today, he said, “The BJP is submitting a memorandum of demands to the Spanco authorities in a very peaceful manner. But with an ultimatum. If the Spanco still did not come clean and transparent and not stop their actions of nuisance for consumers, then the Spanco and the State Government would face the dire consequences at the hands BJP. The BJP will launch an intense agitation of no parallel to force Spanco to do the wrong the correct or force the Maharashtra Government cancel the agreement with the company,” Kumbhare warned with anger writ large on his face.
Kumbhare further said, “When the Mahavitaran (MSEDCL) handed over the contract to Spanco for supply of electricity to Civil Lines, Gandhibagh and Mahal Zones consisting 4.50 lakh consumers, the Spanco went on a forcible meter changing spree. The Spanco forced all the consumers to change their power meters thus swallowing crores of rupees on this count. Moreover, the company meters have been found faulty and swining 40 per cent faster than the previous Mahavitaran (MSEDCL) meters. It means a staggering 40 per cent extra amounts in the power bills. This is not a case of a few meters. The entire lot of Spanco meters is flawed and runs faster and faster and turning the pockets of consumers lighter and lighter. The Mahavitaran, after flooded with hundreds of complaints, itself decided to check the veracity of the meters. And after checking just 17 meters, the Mahavitaran authorities were taken aback after finding 14 meters faulty. But Spanco disagrees. The flawed meters are causing losses to all the consumers in lakhs and lakhs and on the other hand the company is earning a bounty in crores on only this count,” Kumbhare lamented.
“Moreover, I raised the Spanco matter in Assembly and also held talks with concerned ministers. But neighter the State Government nor the ministers replied to my quries in a positive way. The Spanco, with “blessings” from State Government, has been taking advantage of the situation. The company is threatening and lodging complaints with police against protesters or the consumers who dare Spanco authorities for their wrong-doings. But I want give them a message that their threats and police complaints would not deter us from agitating and protesting. We are ready to face hundreds of hurdles for our cause and justice,” Kumbhare thundered.
The BJP Corporators Pohane and Sudhakar Kohale, who were present at the agitation spot, said, “The BJP leaders would not hold any discussions with Spanco authorities because it proves meaningless. The Spanco only talks of positive outcome but goes on fooling and looting the consumers. The fooling of consumers could be gauged from the fact that the company men take the meter readings once in three months. Moreover, the Spanco authorities treat the BJP leaders shabbily. Therefore, no talks would be held with them. The company would regret if it doesn’t improve its working,” the Corporators warned.
The other leaders present in the agitation include Corporators Pravin Datke, Ruling Party Leader in NMC, Bandu Raut and hundreds of citizens and consumers. The attraction of the agitation was attendance of women in massive proportion.
Kumbhare blows hot and cold over Spanco, tells company to come clean or face terrible backlash