BJP conspiring to increase power tariff in Delhi: Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday alleged a "conspiracy" was on by the BJP-led Centre to increase power tariff in the national capital, and assured that he would not let the tariffs rise.

"We have not increased power tariff in last two years. BJP is trying to increase the electricity prices in Delhi, but I won't let this happen," he said.

Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said the DERC Chairperson's appointment was scrapped by Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung with a view to undo his efforts to regularise electricity bills.

Krishna Saini's appointment as the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) chairperson was scrapped by Jung in September on grounds that his approval was not taken.

"DERC chief had issued many orders in past eight months that fixes the accountability of power companies. Power companies want the DERC chief to be removed.

"After eight months (of appointment) LG wakes up and is saying his approval was not taken for DERC's chief appointment," said Kejriwal.

Kejriwal said he had opposed the decision of the LG to scrap Saini's appointment as DERC chief and asked Jung to send the related file to the President, but the LG had refused.

"Just when we (Delhi government) were examining the file, the Power Secretary received call from LG office to issue the order (of removing the DERC chief)," said Kejriwal.

Former Chief Income Tax Commissioner Krishna Saini was appointed DERC chairman in March by the Delhi government. In September the LG scrapped his appointment and asked the Kejriwal government to start the selection process afresh as per law.

On August 4, the Delhi High Court had held that the LG was the administrative head of the Delhi government and has the final word in the governance of the national capital of Delhi.

--IANS

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