JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who called the power outage a "national disaster," expressed alarm on Friday about the country's coal shortage and the simultaneous rise in electrical demand over the summer.

He stated that the demand for electricity has increased in 16 states as a result of rising mercury levels, and that coal is not being delivered in accordance with the demand, causing power outages. "This is a national emergency." I urge everyone to come together in this crisis and support the government's efforts to improve the situation. At home or at work, turn off non-essential electrical appliances. Set your priorities and use electricity only when necessary," Gehlot urged in a Hindi tweet.

He blamed the Rajasthan unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for holding protests to put pressure on electricity distribution company employees. "In Rajasthan, the BJP is using demonstrations to put pressure on electricity department staff who are working in a difficult environment due to the power outage," the veteran Congress leader added.

"It is the Centre's responsibility to supply coal to the states." Will the directionless state BJP leadership ask the Centre why it is unable to supply coal in accordance with demand, causing a crisis in 16 states?" Gehlot asked.

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