BJP threatens to launch protests, Cong hints at relief

The ruling Congress has hinted at relief for the Capital’s power-harried consumers.

The ruling Congress has hinted at relief for the Capital’s power-harried consumers.

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Though the chief minister could not be contacted despite repeated attempts, Congress’s legislative party spokesperson Mukesh Sharma said the government, if need be, would certainly provide some kind of relief to the consumers.

“The government is yet to study the DERC order. If it thinks the rise is not justified, it will appeal against the order. If the consumers have been overburdened, the government will also provide relief to them,” Sharma said.

Delhi government gives a subsidy of Rs. 1 on every unit to customers who use less than 200 units every month. Sources said the government will not only continue this subsidy but may also increase its scope.

After the power and water crisis, the tariff hike has provided the opposition BJP another stick to beat the government with. The BJP has not come to power for 14 years now and this issue can prove to be its rallying point for the 2013 Assembly polls.

And the political churning has begun with BJP state leaders planning to take to the streets if the hike is not rolled back. “The discoms have been earning good profits. They painted their balance sheets red to earn more. The government has supported them by not calling for a CAG audit of their balance sheets,” said VK Malhothra, Delhi’s Leader of Opposition.

Said BJP chief Vijender Gupta, “Different rates will be charged from consumers for peak and non-peak hours at the pretext of power shortage. The discoms have already inflated power bills thrice by installing electronic meters that run fast.”