Delhi L-G Orders Probe In Free Power Scheme; Kejriwal Links It To Guj Polls

Delhi CM claims the move is aimed at stalling the free electricity initiative

The tussle between Delhi L-G V K Saxena and the Kejriwal government intensified on Tuesday as he ordered an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the power subsidy scheme, raising the hackles of AAP leaders who claimed his move was linked to Gujarat polls and aimed at stalling the free electricity initiative.

Saxena, who took over as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in May this year, has in his tenure ordered several probes into the Kejriwal government's works including excise policy, classroom construction, and hospital construction. The AAP has alleged that the L-G's actions were politically motivated and done at the behest of the BJP-led central government.

The BJP also fired a fresh salvo at the Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday over the power subsidy scheme, alleging that Rs 3200 crore in dues of private power distribution companies were waived. It also questioned why AAP leaders had been "appointed" to the board of directors of discoms that are joint ventures between private companies and the Delhi government.

According to sources at the L-G office, he has directed Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to conduct an inquiry and submit a report within seven days after he received a complaint of alleged "irregularities" in the power subsidy scheme.

The complainants, including lawyers and jurists, have alleged that there was a "massive scam" in the scheme. The allegations included that the Delhi government violated its own Cabinet decision of 2015-16 and allowed no audit even as subsidy payments of Rs 11,500 crore was settled in favour of BSES discoms BRPL and BYPL.

No reaction was provided by the BSES when its comment was sought on the issue.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia slammed Saxena in a strong-worded letter, accusing him of interfering in the elected government's works in a "politically motivated and unconstitutional" manner.