REL writes to RIL on plans, resignations

The four-page letter, signed by independent directors General V.P. Malik and Leena Srivastava, has requested the board of RIL to meet and convey its decision to the REL board. When contacted, a senior RIL official did not offer any comments, saying ‘‘We will get back.’’

The release of the letter is seen as part of the Anil Ambani camp’s strategy to focus on corporate governance issues regarding RIL’s investments in telecom arm Reliance Infocomm, which is controlled by Mukesh Ambani.

In the letter, the REL board has sought clarity from RIL on future supply of gas from its gas fields in Andhra Pradesh for REL’s 3,740 MW power project in Uttar Pradesh. ‘‘There have been media reports that RIL’s production of gas…has been delayed. You will appreciate that the availability, pricing and quantum of gas are critical competitive aspects for the prestigious project,’’ states the letter.

REL’s investment in the UP power project is reportedly one of the bones of contention between the two brothers.

The REL board adds that Rs 3,500 crore — out of an approved investment of Rs 5,000 crore by RIL in January 2004 — has still not been received by the power firm. It has also sought RIL’s assistance, technical and otherwise, in greenfield and new projects.

The REL board also listed four RIL nominees who had put in their papers on November 25. REL’s board meeting on November 30 had asked these four directors — and two others — to reconsider their resignations. Separately, the letter also lists the terms of appointment of chairman and managing director of Reliance Energy, Anil Ambani, who has been nominated by RIL.

On Saturday, a Reliance spokesperson had said Mukesh Ambani had left ‘‘all settlement issues’’ to mother Kokilaben.