BJP today 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, senior BJP leader V K Malhotra slammed the action of Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd and asked why the private company was allowed to snap supply to streetlights and parks in North Delhi areas when the whole city was concerned about safety of women.
The TPDDL had cut power supply to streetlights and parks in various areas of North Delhi due to non-payment of bill amounting to Rs 35 crore by North Delhi Municipal Corporation.
"There is total darkness in public places in North Delhi areas. How the company was allowed to cut the supply when the whole city was concerned about women safety? This is totally unacceptable. The Government is only concerned about protecting the interests of the discoms," Malhotra said.
A power department official said supply to streetlights in 25 km of road-lengths has been affected and it continued today too.
When Power Minister Haroon Yusuf in a statement condemned NDMC 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 said the BJP-ruled NDMC has not cared to release the payment of Rs 44 crore for tariff difference from September 2011 to February 2013 in spite of intervention by Chief Secretary D M Spolia.
As the Power Minister started reading a written statement, all BJP members rose on their feet and attacked the Power department accusing it of failing to restrain the power companies.
