LUCKNOW: Even as the situation at the Anpara power project remained tense, the day-long talks between the Uttar Pradesh Government and the power employees ended today in a stalemate.

The talks between the government and power employees union on the privatisation of Anpara C issue could not resolve the deadlock as the Principal Secretary (Energy) informed the employees that their demands would be put before the Chief Minister for consideration.

Earlier, the employees refused to hold talks with the officials after security personnel staged flag march at Anpara. Later after the withdrawal of the security personnel, the employees went to meet the officials.

The Power Employees Joint Action Committee Committee spokesperson Shailendra Dubey said the employees put forth their demand before the officials without any positive reply.

Principal Secretary (Energy) had earlier invited, for the first time, the employees to discuss their protest against the visit of the representatives of the private power companies at Anpara. However, the representatives of the three private companies did not reach Anpara, due to which power employees were yet to go on strike.

Meanwhile in a boost to the agitating power employees on the privatisation of Anpara C power project, CPI (M) general secretary Prakash Karat also voiced his concern over the privatisation of the power sector.

He asked the state government to set up Anpara C unit in the public sector as Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) was interested in providing soft loan for the purpose.

"The protest of the employees is genuine and the state government should not go ahead with the Privatisation of the Anpara unit,'' Mr Karat said, adding, that he might discuss the issue with Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav.

The representatives of three private power companies are slated to visit Anpara C at Sonebhadra district between June 29 and July 1 to assess the facilities there.

Yesterday, the power employees had threatened to proceed on a lightning strike, second time this month, if the representatives entered the Anpara premises.

Earlier, the strike was called from June 17, but was later withdrawn following government decision to defer the visit of representatives of the companies, bidding for the project.

Mr Dubey said the employees would not compromise on privatisation of the Anpara C project. ``We are watching the government moves on the Anpara C and are ready to go on strike at any moment.''

He said representatives of Reliance Energy Company and Essar Power Company were expected to reach Varanasi enroute to Anpara C. ``At present, three out of the four companies have decided to send their representatives for the current visit.''

Mr Dubey alleged that the government was only interested in handing over Anpara C unit to Reliance. ``We are not against Reliance power unit at Dadri, but oppose privatisation of Anpara C, where 40 per cent facilities already exist, making it an attractive buy for the Reliance.'' - UNI

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