The Opposition BJP on Tuesday slammed the Delhi Government for "failing" to "control" the private power distribution companies as it took strong objection to TPDDl snapping electric supply to streetlights and parks in North Delhi due to non-payment of dues.
Speaking at the Delhi Assembly, leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader VK Malhotra slammed the action of Tata Power Delhi Distribution ltd. "There is total darkness in public places in North Delhi areas. How was the company allowed to cut the supply when the whole city is concerned about women's safetyIJ This is totally unacceptable. The Government is only concerned about protecting the interests of the discoms," Malhotra said.
When Power Minister Haroon Yusuf in a statement condemned NMC for not paying the dues, Malhotra accused him of speaking the "language" of the private company. "The Government is speaking the language of the private company. It is more concerned about finances of the company than safety of women," he said.
Yusuf alleged the BJP-ruled NMC had not cared to release the payment of Rs 44.01 crore for tariff difference from September 2011 to February 2013 in spite of intervention by Chief Secretary DM Spolia.
Criticising the action by TPDDl, Delhi BJP president Vijay Goel asked whether the company had consulted the Delhi Government, which has 49 per cent stake in the company, before taking this step. "The NMC has been paying to the discoms at old rates and the dispute arose because the discom applied commercial rates for the supply of power to street lights. Did the company file a recovery suite in a civil court before disconnecting power supply to the street lights," he asked.