Rejecting BJP's criticism on hike in power tariff, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Thursday reminded the party of widespread protests due to long outages when it was ruling the city 15 years back and questioned its promise of cutting electricity rates by 30 per cent if it wins the Assembly polls.
Delivering her Independence Day speech in New Delhi, she launched a scathing attack on BJP, accusing the party of trying to "mislead" the people on the power tariff issue to gain political mileage while insisting that the rates are much lower in Delhi compared to other metropolitan cities.
"There used to be power cuts for more than 11 hours. There were riots on the streets because of long power cuts. The power situation is comfortable now because of reforms we initiated," Dikshit said after unfurling the national tricolour for the 15th consecutive time on I-Day.
At the function held at Chhatrasal stadium, she also took salute of contingents comprising personnel from Delhi Police, Delhi Home Guards, Civil Defence, NCC and Delhi Fire Services before BJP has indicated that power tariff will be one of the main issues the party will highlight in cornering the Congress government in the run up to the Assembly polls slated for November.
"Their government in 1998 was even unable to meet demand of 1900 MW whereas we are successfully meeting peak demand of over 6000 MW. The per capita power consumption in Delhi is 1450 units now which is highest in the country," the Chief Minister said.
"People are unable to digest the politically motivated promise to bring down power tariff by 30 per cent. There is no magic wand to effect such a huge reduction.
The power tariff is much cheaper in Delhi compared to neighbouring towns and metropolitan cities," Dikshit said, adding that the subsidy announced by her government following five per cent hike in tariff will actually bring down the power bills of majority of consumers.
The Chief Minister highlighted achievements of her government in various key sectors like infrastructure, education, health and transport and asserted that Delhi has become one of the best cities in the world.
"The last 15 years have witnessed unprecedented pace of development in the city," she said.
Resolving to ensure effective implementation of the Food Security scheme, Dikshit said it will cover 73 lakh eligible people in the city.
The scheme will be launched in Delhi by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on August 20, the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
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