No aping of AAP in slashing power tariff: Chavan

Maharashtra Chief Minister denied BJP's charge that the decision was 'politically motivated' and timed ahead of elections

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today dispelled the perception that the state government took a cue from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to slash power tariffs by 20 per cent.

"We have not taken the decision to reduce 20 per cent power tariff charged to domestic consumers, industries and powerlooms because of Aam Admi Party (AAP)," Chavan told reporters.

Denying BJP's charge that the decision was "politically motivated" and timed ahead of elections, Chavan said the government has in fact fulfilled the assurance it had given to people.

"The state government had on November 19 assured that it would fulfil the promise to reduce 20 per cent power tariff," the chief minister said.

Chavan said reduction in electricity tariff will incur an additional burden of Rs 7200 crore on the state exchequer.

"If the opposition wants to make any allegation they are free to do it", he added.

Chavan also denied the Leader of Opposition in state Legislative Council Vinod Tawde's claim that Congress Parliamentary Board today failed to seal the pact on seat-sharing with NCP for upcoming elections.

"Congress would contest the upcoming elections in Maharashtra in alliance with NCP," Chavan said.