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By:

Rajendra Joshi

3 December 2024 at 3:50:26 am

Gas on paper, shutdown on ground

Despite higher quotas, supply fails to reach ground Kolhapur: Despite official assurances and a 20 per cent increase in gas allocation for hotels and food processing units, operators in Kolhapur say supplies remain elusive. With distributors citing administrative curbs even as stocks are available, the crisis has pushed nearly 4,000 establishments to the brink — threatening 80,000 livelihoods and casting a shadow over the city’s tourism-dependent economy. The situation stands in contrast to...

Gas on paper, shutdown on ground

Despite higher quotas, supply fails to reach ground Kolhapur: Despite official assurances and a 20 per cent increase in gas allocation for hotels and food processing units, operators in Kolhapur say supplies remain elusive. With distributors citing administrative curbs even as stocks are available, the crisis has pushed nearly 4,000 establishments to the brink — threatening 80,000 livelihoods and casting a shadow over the city’s tourism-dependent economy. The situation stands in contrast to directions issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has emphasised that essential establishments should not face disruption in fuel and gas supplies. While policy decisions at the Centre and the state appear aligned to protect commercial users, implementation gaps at the district level have left hotel operators struggling to access basic fuel. Industry representatives allege that although gas distribution companies have confirmed adequate stock, supply is being withheld due to administrative restrictions. The lack of clarity and coordination has deepened uncertainty, with many operators warning that prolonged disruption could force them to suspend operations. Local Economy Kolhapur’s hospitality sector — comprising small eateries, mid-sized establishments and larger hotels — forms a critical pillar of the local economy. Beyond direct employment to nearly 80,000 workers, it sustains a wide network of suppliers, transporters and ancillary businesses. Any prolonged disruption in essential services such as gas, electricity and water, stakeholders point out, risks triggering a cascading economic impact. The origins of the current strain lie in global supply disruptions following tensions in the Gulf region, which prompted authorities to prioritise domestic LPG consumption. While commercial allocations were initially curtailed, subsequent policy revisions sought to restore balance by enhancing quotas for sectors such as hospitality and food processing. However, in Kolhapur, operators say these decisions have not translated into actual relief. No Response Compounding the crisis is the reported lack of administrative response. Industry members claim that attempts to reach district authorities have gone unanswered, leaving them without guidance or timelines for restoration of supply. “Gas is available, but supply is being denied citing administrative reasons. If this continues, we will be left with no option but to shut down operations,” said Sachin Shanbhag, a senior office-bearer of the Kolhapur Hotel Owners’ Association. Hotel operators also underline their longstanding role in public service, particularly during emergencies. From floods in Kolhapur to disasters beyond the state, the fraternity has repeatedly mobilised resources to provide food and relief — often at short notice and personal cost. During the Bhuj earthquake, Kolhapur-based operators were among the first to set up community kitchens for affected families. The current impasse, therefore, raises a broader question of administrative accountability. If the state can rely on the sector during crises, stakeholders argue, it must also ensure that the industry’s own operational needs are not neglected. Unless the supply chain is normalised quickly and gas is made available in line with declared quotas, the fallout could be severe. Apart from the immediate risk to thousands of livelihoods, Kolhapur’s tourism sector — still in a phase of recovery — could face a significant setback, undermining economic momentum in the region. Despite announcements by the Centre and the state to increase gas quotas for hotels and food processing units, local distributors are refusing supply, claiming the decision is limited to the national level. While they acknowledge that stock is available, supply continues to be denied citing prevailing conditions. Sachin Shanbhag, President, Kolhapur Hotel Owners’ Association

Clever seat selection helped BJP to secure historic win

The party won 65 seats against Congress, 37 against NCP (SP) and 29 against Shiv Sena (UBT)

Clever seat selection

Mumbai: The BJP’s strategic seat sharing with the allies has proved beneficial for the party. An analysis of the Assembly election results show that the BJP has scored over its main rival, the Congress, in a big way because of the direct fights.


The analysis shows that BJP defeated all three constituents of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) – Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) – in the direct fights. This is attributed as one of the reasons for the BJP’s historic poll success.


The BJP contested 147 out of 288 seats. In 76 constituencies, it faced Congress. BJP secured victory in 65 seats and lost only 11 seats, making it a whopping 86 per cent of the total direct fights. This was followed by an even stronger performance against NCP (SP). Of the total 39 fights with Sharad Pawar’s party, BJP captured 37 seats making it 95 per cent of the total fights with NCP (SP). BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT) were head-to-head in 32 constituencies, of which BJP emerged victorious in 29 seats, making this 91 per cent of the total direct contests.


According to a BJP strategist the party had bargained hard with its allies, Shiv Sena and NCP to get the desired constituencies in the seat sharing formula. “We had studied to potential candidates of the MVA. That helped us in choosing the seats where we can register comfortable victories,” the strategist said.


BJP spokesperson Niranjan Shetty attributed the success to all the party workers who worked hard to boost development, infrastructure in the state. He gave credit to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his contribution to the party’s success.


Shetty pointed out that in 2019, Uddhav Thackeray had stalled all the “novel” and “legendary” projects that Fadnavis had started when he had taken over as CM, making it very easy for the people of Maharashtra to strike a comparison between both the leaders and the potential they had for serving the people. “Devendra Fadnavis gave up his post very easily for the larger good. There are many such examples like Venkaiah Naidu who was BJP National President and later worked as the Vice President of India because that was the need of the hour. We seldom care about our posts,” Shetty told The Perfect Voice.


Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe refused to call the election results as the people’s mandate. “This is not at all a Janata mandate. Despite Maharashtra struggling with so many basic social issues, how can BJP acquire such a huge mandate is the question. If a student copies and fails with just passing marks, it can go unnoticed, but if a student copies and bags the number one position, something is fishy. Why is the BJP scared of ballot papers?” he said.

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