BJP LEADERS GET 4k units For FREE, But oppose SUBSIDIES For people: KEJRIWAL
NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday sharply reacted to BJP leader Vijay Goel's statement on his party's intention to withdraw Delhi's power subsidy if voted to power, saying that with this statement the BJP had made it easier for voters to pick between his party and the opposition, giving a clear picture of where both parties stand.
Kejriwal, who is also the National Convener of the Aam Aadmi Party, addressed two volunteer meetings at Shahdara and Patparganj districts, where he said that Goel seems to be okay with enjoying up to 4,000 units of free power every month, but opposes his government's move to provide free electricity to families that use up to 200 units.
The CM said, "The BJP leader never made any demand to withdraw the power subsidy given by the Centre to MPS, but is now opposed to benefits being provided to the people. He continues to accept massive subsidies on food, even as the people suffer. But I want to thank him for saying this publicly before the election. Now the people can choose between the two conflicting models."
Kejriwal added that his government's move on subsidising power in the city was based on real experiences of ordinary people who had been in a position to choose between paying power bills and providing an education for their children.
He said, "We are from ordinary families and understand the pain of the people. We know how a common family runs their households."
The AAP chief also spoke about how BJP leaders should understand the pinch of a slowing economy, that the common man is now experiencing.
"We know how difficult it is to manage household expenses in this time of slowdown. This is why we have made education, healthcare, power and water-free. But most importantly, the poor are now able to get free treatment in Mohalla Clinics and hospitals. BJP leaders go to America for their treatment, but Delhi's people go to Mohalla Clinics."
Kejriwal also appreciated the work of party volunteers and in a bid to boost morale, even spoke of an RSS worker who would be voting for AAP in the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls.
Senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also lashed out at Vijay Goel.
Singh, while responding to Vijay Goel's comment said, “Today they have made it clear that BJP does not support the scheme of the Delhi government led by CM Arvind Kejriwal to give free electricity till 200 units to people. The BJP is always anti-poor and antipeople. They always try to finish the benefits of the people.”