Kejriwal challenges BJP to make power free in poll-bound Maharashtra, Haryana

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday slammed the BJP and Congress for terming the power subisidy scheme as political stunt. "The BJP and the Congress are not able to understand whether to support it or to oppose it. Some of them are calling it an election stunt. They are contesting elections in Maharashtra and Haryana, I challenge to do a similar "election stunt"! Why don't they take up such election stunts?" said the Chief Minister.

He said he would ask people to vote for the BJP if it implemented the AAP government's decision in both the states where polls are due later this year. He said his government will also make public transport free for women in Delhi.

Addressing a gathering at his residence, Kejriwal asked the BJP to make its stand clear on the AAP government's announcement on power tariff. The Delhi chief minister had announced on July 31 that people consuming up to 200 units of electricity won't have to pay power bills.

Those who consume between 201 and 400 units would be given a 50 percent subsidy by the state government. "Some people say it's Kejriwal's poll stunt. I ask them (BJP) there are elections in Maharashtra and Haryana, why do not you pull this stunt there?" he questioned and alleged both the BJP and the Congress were clueless whether to support his government's decision or not.

Delhi BJP leaders, including its president Manoj Tiwari, and the Congress had slammed Kejriwal's announcement as a "poll stunt" before assembly elections. "Governments face backlash of people after five years but this is first government which has gained more respect, love and faith of the people. This is because it has worked day and night for the people in the last five years," CM Kejriwal said.