The hike in CNG and PNG prices in Delhi just ahead of his swearing-in has not gone well with Delhi CM-designate Arvind Kejriwal who has questioned the timing of price revision. Kejriwal on Friday questioned as to why he and his party were not consulted before taking the decision.
When the auto-rickshaw unions came to meet him at his residence, he urged them to improve on their etiquettes as he also hinted at another auto fare revision. Meanwhile, reacting to a sting operation done by a news channel where a few Delhi Government officials were seen tearing old files, Kejriwal called upon the Delhi Chief Secretary to keep an eye on the various activities happening within the Government.
In a scenario when auto drivers are on the hilt of calling a strike following a steep hike in fuel prices, Kejriwal assured that he would examine the feasibility of a rollback in prices immediately after taking charge as Chief Minister. “What was the need to increase CNG prices when a new Government is to take over in DelhiIJ It raises suspicions about their intention. I will look at the files once I take over on Saturday and see if the hike can be rolled back,” Kejriwal said outside his residence Girnar Apartments in Kaushambi.
Acknowledging the significant role auto drivers had played during AAP’s electioneering, Kejriwal promised to solve the matter in two days and also said that he would meet transport department officials to know the reason for taking such a ‘drastic’ step. “The auto drivers have been associated with us for a long time. When I take charge tomorrow (Saturday), I will hold consultations with them and try to find out a solution. We cannot rule out the possibility of a hike in auto fares in Delhi, if necessary,” Kejriwal said.
The Indraprastha Gas limited (IGl) had on Thursday announced that CNG would cost Rs50.10 per kg in Delhi and Rs56.70 per kg in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad. All the revised rates came into effect from Thursday midnight. The Delhi Government has a five per cent stake in IGl and can at best subsidise the hike.
Meanwhile, commenting on a sting operation carried out by a news channel purportedly showing that Government files were being torn, the AAP leader said it was the chief secretary’s responsibility to take care of files.
“This also shows there is large-scale corruption in these departments and officials who are seeking transfer are understood to have been involved in it,” Kejriwal said.