An Independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati from Shiv in Barmer district has been booked over a complaint lodged by the National Solar Energy Federation. Shortly after a memo from the Federation to Chief Minister Bhajanlal, the Director General of Police (DGP) ordered registering the case at Shiv Thana.
MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati Faces Legal Action Following National Solar Energy Federation’s Complaint
According to the report published by the police at Shiv Thana, the complaint has been forwarded by Subrahmanyam Pulipaka, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Solar Energy Federation, which alleges that MLA Bhati is obstructing investments worth Rs 8,500 crore in renewable energy projects.
The report further alleges that Bhati has been threatening and harassing the employees and officials of the companies involved in wind and solar energy projects within the Shiv Assembly constituency, thereby unnecessarily delaying projects of at least 2,000 megawatts for more than six months.
Bhati has been named in these complaints as one whose actions have stalled progress on clean energy projects, which are critical for sustainable development in the territory. This has delayed not only considerable investment funds but also halted envisaged job creation and economic growth from the projects.
These complaints reached the Chief Minister and were put through expedient action, which resulted in a directive from the DGP to have a case registered. The investigation has now been assigned to the CID-CB.
The implications for the renewable sector and governance in the region require that CID-CB treat this matter with utmost seriousness. The investigation will assess the intimidation and obstruction allegations in detail regarding their specific impact on the implementation of solar and wind energy projects.
This case portrays another serious dilemma concerning the encroachment of politics into legitimate business; mainly, those that are key for India in making the increase in renewable energy capacity. The results of this investigation could embody the precedent by which other similar cases may hereafter be dealt with, thereby having an influence on the political situation and investment climate for renewable energy.
The objective, for the present, is to have a credible and visible investigation with accountability by CID-CB, so as to ascertain the truth or otherwise behind the serious allegations against a sitting MLA. The eyes of the local community and the larger renewable energy sector are set on this case so as to watch the tale of how justice and development could coexist in one of India’s crucial areas for solar and wind energy?
Source – Rajasthan Patrika
