Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood on Monday warned of a potential hike in electricity tariffs, blaming the ₹27,000 crore debt inherited from the previous AAP government. He stated that the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) had allowed power distribution companies (Discoms) to recover the outstanding amount by increasing rates.
Speaking in the Delhi Assembly, Sood responded to a query by AAP MLA Imran Hussain regarding the expected tariff increase. He accused the former administration of failing to protect public interest when the Delhi High Court directed DERC to issue a tariff order.
“The previous government left behind ₹27,000 crore in regulatory asset debt through DERC. Now, Discoms are authorized to increase electricity rates to recover this amount. The former administration failed to safeguard the public’s interests,” he said.
Sood further suggested that some individuals might be seeking political gains from the impending price hike.
“Electricity prices will increase in the coming time. Perhaps some people even want this for their political agenda. However, the government remains in close contact with DERC and is monitoring the situation,” he added.
Reacting to the statement, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Atishi accused the BJP-led central government of failing to deliver on its election promises. She highlighted the delayed ₹2,500 financial assistance for women, a scheme announced before the elections.
“The BJP made grand promises before the polls. We hope they fulfill them in this budget session. They pledged ₹2,500 for women in Delhi on March 8, but even the registration for the scheme hasn’t started. This is clear betrayal by PM Modi,” Atishi said.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta formally commenced the Budget Session of the newly elected BJP government, marking a significant moment as the party returned to power after 27 years in the 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections.
Gupta participated in the traditional preparation of ‘Kheer’ as a symbolic start to the session, extending gratitude to those involved in the budget-making process.
The budget session, scheduled from March 24 to March 28, will address key issues such as water shortages, sewerage management, and financial governance. The BJP government has also tabled two CAG reports on the scrapped excise policy and the state’s healthcare system.
With electricity prices, governance, and policy decisions at the forefront, the Delhi Budget Session is expected to witness intense debates between the ruling BJP and the opposition AAP.