Giving 600 free units unsustainable: Navjot Sidhu

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, April 19

Terming as poll gimmick the AAP government’s announcement of providing free power to Punjab residents, former PCC president Navjot Singh Sidhu today questioned the economic sustainability of the move at a time when the state was already reeling under a financial crisis.

Poll gimmick, aimed at wooing HP voter

Move seems to be a poll gimmick as it is aimed at wooing voters of HP and Gujarat. This is why announcement has been made three months in advance. — Navjot Sidhu, former PCC President

Rider for socially disadvantaged

Chandigarh: Power Minister Harbhajan Singh on Tuesday said consumers from socially disadvantaged sections, who were earlier getting 200 units of free power, would get 600 free units only if they had load less than 1 kilowatt. Further, those filing I-T returns would be ineligible to get free power. This statement comes amidst protests by some sections of the general category consumers against special privileges to socially disadvantaged sections. TNS

“The AAP should explain how they will bring Rs 6,000 crore to provide 600 units of free power to residents. Where is the budgetary allocation and from where will they bring this money?” he said.

Sidhu slammed the AAP government over deteriorating law and order situation in the state and said he would meet the Punjab Governor on April 21 to raise issues concerning the state.

Targeting the government on free power, Sidhu said: “It seems to be a poll gimmick as this announcement is not for the people of Punjab, but to woo voters of Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. This is why the announcement has been made three months in advance.” He accused the AAP government of using state funds to publish advertisements worth crores of rupees in other states. “It is a serious issue as the state is facing a financial crisis.” Asking the government to explain the reason for not extending the benefit of to all consumers, Sidhu said: “During the elections, AAP leaders used to say they will generate Rs 30,000 crore by stopping corruption. They should have now given 600 units of free power to all sections.” —

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