Power tariff: BJP protests, Goel challenges CM for debate

Scores of BJP activists led by Delhi unit chief Vijay Goel today courted arrest here today while protesting against power tariff hike in front of Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's residence.
Upping the ante, Goel alleged that power tariff in the city was being hiked frequently at the "behest" of the Chief and challenged her for a public debate on the issue.
"Power tariff has been increased at the behest of Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. The Delhi government, which is also 50 per cent share holder in the discoms, is hand in glove with DERC and power companies," he said while addressing BJP supporters on way to gherao Dikshit's official residence.

Goel challenged the Chief Minister for a public debate on the issue on "any platform" including TV channel.
"I challenge Dikshit for an open debate on the issue. We will prove that power tariff is being increased with connivance of the government, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission and the private power companies," he said.
The power tariff in the city was hiked by 22 per cent in 2011 followed by five per cent hike in February last year. The tariff was hiked by up to two per cent in May last year and again by 26 per cent for domestic consumers in July last year. The tariff was hiked by up to three per cent last month.

The DERC is again considering hiking the tariff. The Chief Minister has been defending the action.

BJP activists squatted in front of Dikshit's official residence at 3, Motilal Nehru marg in Central Delhi and demanded her resignation. The activists led by Goel later courted arrest. They were taken to Tuglaq Road police station from where they were released.
The Delhi BJP chief yesterday had held a two-hour-long meeting with DERC chairman P D Sudhakar and two other members of the commission during which he tried to corner them on hiking the tariff. Goel had also demanded resignation of Sudhakar saying he has totally failed to protect the interests of the consumers.

Goel said during his discussion with the DERC chairman and members, one of the members J P Singh admitted that he was the director of all the three power companies. Goel had questioned Singh's continuation at DERC saying how a person who was member of the three power companies can become part of the statutory body.