Kejriwal threatens to cancel power discoms' licence

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Friday warned power distribution companies in the capital to co-operate with the government else their licences will be cancelled.

"Once the Comptroller and Auditor General's (CAG) audit report is out, the power companies have to co-operate in examination of their accounts," Kejriwal told media.

"If they do not, then the government will not keep quiet. If needed, we will also cancel their licences," he said.

Kejriwal had requested the CAG to audit the accounts of the three power discoms. In Delhi, Reliance's distribution companies BSES Yamuna Power and BSES Rajdhani Power besides a third discom - a company of the Tata Group - are responsible for electricity supply.

The discoms Thursday said they would be forced to resort to load shedding in the national capital because of "cash constraints".

However, the chief minister dismissed media reports over power cuts and said: "The power companies are trying to create panic among the people. But I want to warn them, if they try to create panic, action will be taken against them."

Kejriwal said that, if needed, new power companies will be brought in to supply electricity in Delhi.

"There are not only Tata and Ambanis in the country. If needed, we will bring new power companies to Delhi," he said.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had promised in their election manifesto ahead of the Dec 4 Delhi assembly polls that it would have the accounts of power discoms audited.