File Photo: PM Modi with Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal
Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta today criticised Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for seeking Prime Minister Modi's intervention in lowering powering tariff in Delhi saying that there is no mechanism through which the PM can cancel long term power purchase pacts with power companies.
"It is impractical and childish on the part of the Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal to seek PM's intervention on power issue so that tariff can be brought down. The Prime Minister has any locus standi in the power issue pertaining to Delhi nor there is any mechanism by which he can cancel the long-term power purchase pacts with Central Power Companies," he said.
Pointing that power tariff is determined by the National Electricity Policy notified on February 12, 2005, Mr Gupta said that this policy notified by the Central Government "clearly establishes" that Prime Minister is not empowered to intervene in the matter.
"Kejriwal very well knows that the Prime Minister has no power to intervene the matter. But to present himself in good light, he is deliberately making such statements," he added.