Won't crack down on corporates if we form government: Kejriwal

AAP leader accuses BJP of returning favours big corporates extended to the party by funding it

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal assured industrialists on Tuesday there will be no crackdown on industry under his government. However, he alleged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre was “returning favours” to big corporates for funding it in the election.

“Was there a crackdown on industries during our 49-day tenure? Why would there be now?” asked Kejriwal.

The AAP chief also said a hike or a cut in electricity rates will depend on where the funds are coming from – the public or power companies. “The hike or reduction of electricity rates depends on whose money the election is being fought on. If I take funds from the public, I will reduce the electricity rates,” Kejriwal said, while addressing traders, participating in a fund-raising lunch organised by AAP. He alleged the BJP raise funds from big companies.

“The BJP and Congress do not come to you to ask for donation. They spend thousands of crores in their campaigns. It was said the BJP spent Rs 10,000 crore in its election campaign across the country if one includes the cost of advertisements also. Where did this huge money come from? Top corporates must have funded them,” alleged Kejriwal.

Kejriwal alleged these funds were “investments” by corporates and the BJP-led government frames policies to favour them.

The party collected Rs 60 lakh from the event where the minimum contribution was Rs 20,000 from various traders. According to sources, the party is aiming to collect Rs 25-Rs 30 crore for expenditure on elections and it has received Rs 5 crore as contribution so far.

Kejriwal reiterated that there was no raid by value added tax (VAT) inspectors during his party’s rule in Delhi. During the AAP government's tenure, VAT collection went up by Rs 1,500 crore. “The BJP is spreading lies that we had conducted VAT raids. In fact, after our tenure ended in Delhi, the inspectors have started taking bribe from traders again,” Kejriwal said. Last week, the BJP had come out with a Right to Information reply showing there were 151 raids on commercial establishments in January and February last year.

They had also dismissed Kejriwal's claims of increased collection.