117 Per cent Coal Stock Yet 8-Hour Power Cuts: AAP’s Power Model Exposed: Anil Sarin

Ludhiana, September 7, 2026: Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party State General Secretary Anil Sarin today launched a blistering attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government over prolonged power cuts, saying its own figures have demolished the excuse of a coal shortage. He said that according to figures presented by Punjab Power Minister on September 4, 2026, coal stock was around 117% of the state’s normal requirement, yet people across Punjab continue to face six to eight hours of daily power cuts.
Addressing a press conference here on Monday, he added that Punjab is not facing a coal shortage but a generation and management failure. Despite adequate coal availability, five generating units have reportedly remained non-operational for around 20 days, while several state power plants are functioning at alarmingly low efficiency.
According to the figures cited by him, Ropar Thermal Plant was operating at just 36.4%, Lehra Mohabbat at 28.7% and Nabha Power at around 50%. In stark contrast, Nabha Power’s independent power plant was operating at around 93%.
“This is not a coal crisis. It is a crisis of competence, management and governance. If coal stocks are at 117% and people are still sitting without electricity for eight hours, the AAP Government owes Punjab an explanation,” Sarin said.
He questioned why five units had remained shut despite adequate coal stocks and demanded that the government immediately release plant-wise generation figures, coal availability, operational status and the reasons for the prolonged shutdowns.
Sarin accused AAP of repeatedly using the Centre as a shield to cover its own failures. “The operation, maintenance and efficient utilisation of Punjab’s power-generation infrastructure are the responsibility of the state government. It cannot manufacture excuses every time its own system fails,” he said.
He said the burden was falling on industry, traders, shopkeepers, farmers and households amid the heat. “AAP came to power promising 24-hour uninterrupted and affordable electricity. Today, Punjab is facing hours-long cuts. Forget cheap electricity—the government should first ensure that electricity is available,” he said.
Sarin said the situation also exposed the contradiction between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s earlier claims that Punjab’s coal problems had been resolved and the government’s present explanations. He said the 2027 Assembly elections would give Punjabis an opportunity to judge AAP on its broken promises, failed power management and poor governance. “Punjab needs electricity, not excuses; performance, not propaganda,” he added.
District President Sunil Moudgil, general secretary Narender Singh Malhi, Yashpal Janotra, Bobby Jindal, press Secretary doctor Satish Kumar were also present.