Delhi Power Subsidy Hung In The Balance With AAP Government Clashing With Lieutenant Governor; Subsidy Stands Cleared

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi is clashing with Lieutenant Governor (LG) V K Saxena over power subsidies for consumers.

Power Minister Atishi declared that funding would be cut off from Friday (14 April), citing the LG's failure to approve the extension of subsidies.

In response, Saxena's office said the file was signed the previous day, contradicting Atishi's statement.

"The subsidy we give to 46 lakh people will stop from today. From Monday onwards, people will get inflated bills without subsidy," Atishi said in a press conference, laying the blame on the LG for inaction on the file.

Saxena's office advised Atishi to "refrain from unnecessary politicking and baseless, false allegations against LG."

The LG asked why the decision was kept pending till 4 April went the deadline was 15 April, and why the file was sent to him only on 11 April.

"What's the need for a drama on 13th April by writing a letter and the press conference today?" a statement from the LG's office read.

Atishi said she had requested a five-minute meeting with Saxena to discuss the power subsidy, but 24 hours had gone by without a response.

"The budget for this subsidy has been passed by the Vidhan Sabha. The government has money for subsidy but we cannot spend it," she said.

Delhi's AAP government offers free electricity up to 200 monthly units, while 201-400 units of use attract a 50 per cent subsidy, limited to Rs 850.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said last year that power subsidies would solely be granted to consumers who apply for it, and 48 lakh of the over 58 lakh domestic consumers have done so, as per official data.

The AAP government's 2023-24 budget allocates Rs 3,250 crore for the power subsidy.