A fresh tussle erupted between the Lieutenant Governor and the AAP Government over the appointment of former Allahabad High Court judge Umesh Kumar as the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) chairman as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had suggested another retired judge for the post. Terming the appointment as “illegal and unconstitutional”, Delhi Power Minister Atishi on Thursday said the AAP government will move the Supreme Court in the matter.
Lambasting the Atishi’ statement, Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said , “ it is shocking to see Power Minister Atishi trying to give political color and bad mouthing about the newly appointed DERC Chairman. He said the Centre is trying to break down power supply system of Delhi by appointing him. Addressing a press conference, Atishi has labelled this appointment as an absolutely unconstitutional and unlawful move of the Modi govrnment. Atishi further explained that “Electricity” is a transferred subject, and the Central Government is bound to act in accordance with the aid and advice of the elected state government on all matters falling under the Power Department.
She highlighted that the BJP's deliberate ignorance of the elected state government's recommendation for Justice (Retd) Sangeet Lodha as DERC Chairperson is a clear violation of this principle.
She said the government had recommended the name of Justice Lodha for the post on June 21. The power minister accused the BJP of conspiring to shut down the free and 24x7 electricity scheme in Delhi.
However, it was “sidelined and former Allahabad High Court judge Umesh Kumar was appointed as the chairman by the BJP-led Centre. This has been done to 'trouble' the elected government of Delhi. In the coming days, we will approach the Supreme Court against this 'illegal' appointment,” she said. The post has been vacant since January 10, when (retd) justice Shabihul Husnain stepped down after reaching superannuation. According to Atishi, the BJP's discontent stems from the fact the AAP government, has successfully delivered the cheapest electricity rates in the country. Delhi currently boasts the lowest electricity tariffs compared to other states.
In contrast, BJP-ruled states impose the highest power tariffs, with Assam charging Rs 8.2 per unit, Uttar Pradesh charging Rs 6.5 per unit, Madhya Pradesh charging Rs 6.74 per unit, and Maharashtra charging a staggering Rs 10.38 per unit for consumers. The Power Minister further highlighted the significant impact made by the Kejriwal government in reducing electricity costs for the citizens of Delhi.
Reacting on her statement, Kapoor has said that it is regrettable that on every administrative issue the Kejriwal government behaves like a child who starts crying if his demanded toy is not given. It is regrettable that AAP government is repeating its childish behaviour on DERC Chairman's appointment too.
He further stated that Delhi Government had recommended name of Retired Justice R.K. Shrivastav for DERC Chairman's post months ago but he expressed inability to work being in United States of America forcing the Centre to intervene.
A statement issued by the lieutenant governor's office on Wednesday night said Justice Kumar has been appointed the DERC chairman by President Droupadi Murmu.
The LG office statement, however, said the appointment of Kumar comes as Shrivastava expressed his inability to take charge due to “family commitments and requirements” through a communication on June 15.
