Delhi BJP Criticizes AAP Over Steep Hike in Electricity Charges

Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva condemned the AAP government for a significant increase in electricity bills, calling it an exploitation of Delhi's residents. The BJP plans to protest until the controversial PPAC and pension surcharges are withdrawn. They accuse the AAP of corruption, while AAP refutes the claims.

Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva on Sunday slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for a significant hike in electricity prices for domestic consumers, terming the increase an exploitation of Delhi's residents. "The Delhi government is looting the people of Delhi. Every honest bill-payer is being victimized," Sachdeva told ANI.

In February, the Delhi government revised the power purchase adjustment charge (PPAC), which has resulted in a 6 to 8 percent rise in the electricity bills of domestic consumers. Sachdeva alleged that money is being collected illegally under the guise of PPAC and pension surcharges, while the government and power companies benefit.

"Tomorrow, we will protest at 14 electricity offices unless the PPAC and pension surcharges are withdrawn. We've written to the DRC chairman, demanding an inquiry into the alleged scam by the Delhi government and power companies," he said. On Friday, Sachdeva led BJP workers in a protest against the power price hike in the national capital.

The BJP accuses the AAP government of conspiring with discoms for mutual benefit. However, Delhi's power minister and AAP leader Atishi countered these allegations, claiming the opposition is misleading the public with "rumors" about the PPAC being the cause of rising electricity costs. Earlier, Sachdeva accused the Kejriwal government of prioritizing personal interests and introducing the PPAC to propagate corruption.

"The Kejriwal government's objective is solely to serve personal interests. In 2014, under President's rule, the BJP had successfully lobbied for a PPAC ban. However, the Kejriwal government reinstated PPAC to support its corrupt practices. By making PPAC a constitutional component of business regulation plans for calculating power tariffs, it has safeguarded its application," he stated. Sachdeva questioned the dramatic increase in PPAC from 1.5 percent in 2015 to 46 percent now.

"Today, the pension surcharge has risen from 1 percent in 2015 to 7.5 percent, and meter and load surcharges have tripled in a decade. In light of the dire situation for Delhi's residents, a massive protest was held today with BJP workers and common citizens participating. Kejriwal and Atishi must answer how PPAC surged from 1.5 percent to 46 percent," he added.