PM, LG have sought file related to power subsidy: CM

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Aug 27 2016 | 9:57 PM IST
Making a string of fresh allegations, Chief Minister Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said Lt Governor Najeeb Jung has sought the file related to power subsidy on the instructions of the Prime Minister, even as he cautioned against a hike in power tariff in the city.
Addressing a gathering at outer Delhi's Kirari, he also expressed apprehension that his government's proposal to increase minimum wages by up to 50 per cent could be shot down by Jung and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He exhorted people to "gherao the Prime Minister" if any such step is taken.
Separately, in a series of tweets, Kejriwal said plans were afoot to remove DCW chief Swati Maliwal who, he claimed, will be "arrested" soon for her "good work".
"In elections, we had promised to cut power tariff by half and provide free water. We fulfilled our promises. Sadly, Modiji has summoned the files related to power and water by phoning the Lt Governor. He is threatening to increase power tariff in Delhi.
"I challenge Modiji that if he does the same, the people of Delhi will give him a befitting reply. PM is creating hurdles by telephoning the LG," Kejriwal said, adding that Jung has already called for the files even as he wondered if the subsidies will be withdrawn.
He also accused the Centre of not clearing the Delhi government's proposal to regularise hundreds of unauthorised colonies in the capital. Kejriwal said if the proposal is approved, such colonies will be regularised within 24 hours.
"We cannot wait for Modiji's nod. I have directed my ministers to carry out development works in all unauthorised colonies which include construction of roads, laying of water pipelines etc," he said.
The Chief Minister said officials involved in flagship projects of the AAP government such as mohalla clinics and construction of school buildings were being transferred by the LG.
"The way the Centre is creating hurdles, it has never happened in the Indian history. I and Manish Sisodia had requested the LG not to transfer officers involved in projects to set up mohalla clinics and construction of school buildings till March 31," he said.
Kejriwal's outburst on microblogging site Twitter came a
day after Jung said he was in the process of overturning and rectifying "illegal decisions" taken by the AAP government following the August 4 Delhi High Court verdict.
"Sources- LG n PMO hell bent on removing Swati Maliwal 4 doing gud job. She'll be arrested coming week n then removed," he claimed in a tweet.
Kejriwal claimed the Lt Governor and the Centre wanted to "reverse" numerous decisions of public importance, including the decision to hold discoms accountable for unscheduled outages. He said Najeeb Jung was "subverting" democracy to protect his "chair".
On the CAG row, he said the auditor "vehemently refuses" to audit advertisement expenses of the Centre and other states.
"Why? CAG under pressure from BJP?," he questioned.
"Hold power cos accountable- make them pay compensation for unscheduled power cuts. Is it illegal? LG sitting on it. AAP govt asked for land for 10 hospitals from DDA. Modi's LG refused. Was our demand illegal?" the CM said in a series of tweets.
Referring to Jung's statement that he has tried to keep his intervention in the government restricted to the bare minimum, Kejriwal said, "If this is 'least interference', then what is 'high interference'? Shameful subversion of democracy to protect chair."
"Guys. Can u name 1 positive thing that Modiji or his LG did for Delhi so far? Only created hurdles. Negative people.
"Essence of Indian democracy so far. Thats why both parties (BJP and Congress) are jointly opposing AAP everywhere tooth and nail," the AAP chief said.
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First Published: Aug 27 2016 | 9:57 PM IST

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