Delhi: After Blame Game With AAP, L-G Saxena Approves Extension Of Power Subsidy

The AAP has said power subsidy to nearly 46 lakh people in the city would cease from Friday onwards.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

Source : Getty Images

After a slugfest between the AAP government and Delhi Raj Niwas, Lt Governor V K Saxena on Friday approved the extension of power subsidy in Delhi, PTI reported. The Lt Governor office said the file relating to extension of power subsidy was received from the AAP government as late as April 11 and it was dispatched back on Friday morning.

Earlier in the day, L-G Saxena asked the ruling AAP to refrain from "unnecessary politicking and baseless false allegations" after the Arvind Kejriwal-led party accused him of delaying clearing the file to extend power subsidy to consumers. The AAP has said power subsidy to nearly 46 lakh people in the city would cease from Friday onwards.

The Delhi L-G said the file to clear the power subsidy was sent to him only on April 11 and accused AAP of doing drama.

"The Power Minister is advised to refrain from unnecessary politicking and baseless false allegations against LG. She should stop misleading people with false statements," the L-G said.

"If at all, she and the CM should answer the people of Delhi as to why was a decision in this regard kept pending till April 4 when the deadline was April 15? Why was the file sent to L-G on April 11? And what is the need for drama on April 13 by writing a letter and the press conference today?" he further said.

READ | Delhi Govt's Power Subsidy To End Today As LG Saxena's Nod For Its Extension Pending: Power Minister

The issue has become the latest flashpoint between the AAP government and the Lt Governor office.

Delhi Power Minister Atishi, in a press conference, said despite the Delhi Cabinet approving the extension of power subsidy for the year 2023-24, the file was still pending with the L-G.

"The subsidy we give to 46 lakh people will stop from today. From Monday onwards, people will get inflated bills without subsidy," she said.

"Till the file is approved we can’t give subsidy. I even sought time from the LG office to discuss the matter but it’s been more than 24 hours and I have not been given time. The file has also not come back yet," PTI quoted Atishi as saying.

AAP provides free electricity to Delhi consumers with 200 units of monthly consumption. Those having 201 to 400 units of consumption per month get a 50 per cent subsidy capped at Rs 850.

Last year, CM Kejriwal announced that a power subsidy would be provided to only those consumers who apply for it.