The crisis of cooperative sugar mills has quickly developed into a big political issue in Uttrakhand.
BJP members of the state assembly have begun protesting the closure of a sugar mill and imposition of PPP model on the remaining sugar manufacturing units in the state.
While the govt defends its decision invoking the principle of economic viability, the opposition dubs it a sellout.
Sources say chief minister Bahuguna intends having talks with the opposition on the issue for an urgent resolution of the crisis.
The sudden closure of a cooperative sugar mill and infliction of PPP model on the remaining sugar mills in Uttrakhand has roiled politics in the state. The state BJP is incensed over the decision and has charged the Bahuguna govt with a sell-out.
The BJP has expressed fear that the secret deal the govt has entered into with businessmen would have the twin effects of profiting some politicians of the ruling party and forcing thousands of workers to face redundancy.
The party maintains that it does not oppose PPP model as such as it could be useful in the field of infrastructure. But its application in the case of sugar mills does not stand scrutiny, the party asserts.
Sources say the BJP leaders and workers have already started protesting the govt decision through meetings and demonstrations. They have also threatened to begin a state wide movement against the govt, the sources add.
Earlier Chief Minister had promised to discuss the issue with the BJP leaders but his sudden departure for Delhi has left the opposition party wondering if there is something seriously fishy about the deal.