Karnataka Minister M B Patil blames Centre for ethanol sector crisis
Industries Minister M B Patil alleged the Union Government encouraged production without ensuring adequate procurement of ethanol.
Karnataka Industries Minister M B Patil on Sunday blamed the Union Government for the current crisis in the ethanol sector. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru after meeting AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Patil alleged that the BJP-led Centre encouraged higher production without ensuring sufficient procurement.
According to ANI, Patil said the Union Government announced ethanol blending targets, including E10, E20 and E30, without adequate planning. He claimed the Centre is now refusing to buy even 20 to 30 per cent of the ethanol produced.
Patil stated there is substance in allegations made by Rahul Gandhi and Minister Rizwan Arshad regarding irregularities in the blending process. He said the state government would take appropriate action and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad would make a decision on the matter.
The Minister also addressed allegations by Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy regarding the Hassan Deputy Commissioner, calling the charges baseless. Patil said Kumaraswamy should refrain from making irresponsible statements.
Regarding a proposed dam near Ujjani, Patil said he would write to the Union Jal Shakti Minister and the Maharashtra Chief Minister. He noted that the project could affect the interests of Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in sharing Krishna River waters.
Patil also alleged the Union Government is using Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme incentives to attract companies to Assam, Maharashtra and Gujarat instead of Karnataka.