In a bold statement today, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Chief Minister designate Atishi cautioned residents of Delhi about the potential consequences of not re-electing Arvind Kejriwal. She warned that if the BJP were to assume power in the upcoming elections, citizens could face severe electricity price hikes and prolonged power cuts similar to those experienced in Uttar Pradesh.
Atishi highlighted alarming statistics from Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP government has reportedly increased the price of a 5-kilowatt electricity connection by a staggering 118%, raising costs from Rs 7,967 to Rs 17,365. For a 1-kilowatt connection, the increase has been a jaw-dropping 250%. ?This is the same BJP government that imposed eight hours of power cuts during this summer season, not only in remote villages but also in urban areas like Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad,? she said.
Describing the BJP?s approach to electricity, Atishi stated, ?The BJP model is long power cuts and the most expensive electricity. It is crucial for the people of Delhi to re-elect Arvind Kejriwal as Chief Minister. If they don?t, what we see in Uttar Pradesh?expensive electricity and long power cuts?could also become a reality in Delhi.?
As AAP prepares for an intense electoral battle, the party is focused on strengthening its grassroots organization. During a crucial meeting on Thursday, AAP?s National General Secretary (Organisation) Sandeep Pathak and State Convenor Gopal Rai urged their team to win every booth in the upcoming elections. Pathak emphasized that this election would be unprecedented in Indian history, with even Prime Minister Modi expected to campaign door-to-door.
Gopal Rai motivated party members to fight ?like commanders? to secure Kejriwal?s return as Chief Minister. Additionally, Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to address a ?Janta Ki Adalat? at Jantar Mantar on September 22 to engage directly with the public.
Meanwhile, the BJP has accused the AAP government of corruption, asserting that voters expressed their dissatisfaction with the party during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP won all seven seats in Delhi, leaving AAP and the Congress alliance empty-handed.
In other developments, Atishi announced the finalization of her new cabinet, which will include four returning ministers from Kejriwal?s previous administration: Saurabh Bhardwaj, Kailash Gehlot, Gopal Rai, and Imran Hussain. A new addition to the cabinet is Mukesh Ahlawat, the MLA from Sultanpur Majra, who will represent the Dalit community. One ministerial position remains vacant, and the entire cabinet, along with CM Atishi, will take their oaths on Saturday, September 21.
As the electoral landscape heats up, the stakes are high for both AAP and the BJP, with crucial implications for Delhi?s future governance and public services.
