JAIPUR: In the wake of the state's coal crisis, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has written a letter to Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi detailing the political losses incurred as a result of the Chhattisgarh government's delay in approving coal mines.

The letter states a coal shortage will occur in Rajasthan-based power plants by the end of December. If the coal mines are not allowed, the state will be forced to purchase coal at exorbitant costs, raising the expense and burden on consumers. Official sources confirmed that the dispute between the Congress-ruled states has worsened because the Baghel government refuses to allow the passing of coal mine benefits to Rajasthan, despite receiving approval from the Centre for the Parsa East and another coal block of Chhattisgarh coal mines allotment. As a result, Gehlot has requested Congresswoman Sonia Gandhi's help in the case.

Gehlot had already appealed Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel for the sanctioning of coal mines in November. Because no action was done after a month after writing the letter, the subject has now been brought to Sonia Gandhi's attention.

According to sources, mines in the second block of Parsa and the second block of coal mines in Chhattisgarh have been assigned to the Rajasthan government. The central government has given its consent, but the Chhattisgarh government's forest department has yet to provide its approval.

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