Kejriwal attacked on austerity claims

The power bill for CM Arvind Kejriwal's official residence in June is Rs 1.36 lakh

The BJP and the Congress have gone all out to attack the austerity claims of the Aam Aadmi Party with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s power consumption at his official residence totalling Rs 1,36,288 last month. The chief minister’s power bill has of late been in the news, with the government recently having to come out with a statement asserting that the CM’s 6, Flag Staff Road in Civil Lines, apart from his residence, also included electricity charges for a camp office and various other facilities installed for visitors at the complex.

The two metered connections at Kejriwal's residence have been billed Rs 22,689 and Rs 1,13,598.

While the former was for consumption of 2510 units at his residence, the latter was for 11, 637 units at his office set up within the premises.  

Government sources said the electricity charges at his residence for March was Rs 17,000, it was Rs 7,370 in April and Rs 22,690 in May. At the office portion where Janta Samvaads were held the electricity charges for this portion in March was Rs 15,175, Rs 48,630 in April.

Government power department officials , however allege it is making much of a “non-issue”. “Chief Minister residences have always had residential power connections even for the spaces they use as their offices. After all CMs have to work round the clock and need support staff. It does not make sense to charge these office set ups within their home at commercial rates. It has never been done in the past.”

Delhi Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Maken asked, "Arvind Kejriwal is wasting public fund for personal use. After coming power, the AAP leaders had said they will not indulge in luxury and will live like a common man. What they are doing now."

BJP leader Vijendra Gupta also attacked Kejriwal saying, "This is not at all acceptable. They are splurging public funds for personal comfort. People of Delhi are now knowing about real face of AAP."