Taking a cue from Delhi government's decision to slash power tariffs, Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam today threatened to launch an agitation if Maharashtra government did not reduce electricity charges for consumption of less than 500 units per month.
In a letter to Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Nirupam, also an AICC Secretary, sought investigation into the cost structure and pricing mechanism of power distribution companies and likely cartelisation.
"Going on fast is not only (Anna) Hazare's right, we too can do that. So, I have written to the Chief Minister to reduce power tariff for domestic consumers with immediate effect or we will be left with no alternative but to launch an agitation even if it causes embarrassment to our own government," he told reporters.
He said a decision to bring down the tariff would "enhance the prestige" of Congress party in the eyes of the people and do justice to those living in slums and the middle class.
Asked whether it did not amount to double-speak as the Aam Aadmi Party government's decision was dubbed as "populism" by Congress, Nirupam said,"Even if a good decision is late in coming, it is always welcome."
"In my letter, I have referred to Delhi government's decision and said if it can do that any government can in this liberalised era. There is no harm in taking inspiration from good decisions of other governments," he said.
When asked whether he was contemplating joining AAP, Nirupam, MP from Mumbai North Lok Sabha constituency, said, "I am a Congress MP and will continue (with the party). I am just trying to ensure that its prestige is not lowered."
Nirupam said whenever the issue of spiralling power tariff in Mumbai was raised in the past, the stock reply was that the matter has been referred to the electricity regulator.
"There was no talk about the regulator when the Delhi government reduced power tariff by half. The Delhi government simultaneously ordered a CAG audit of the power distribution companies but has gone ahead and reduced the tariff even before any audit has commenced," he said.
