Kejriwal reconnects power supply to Delhi home

Activist-turned-politician Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday visited the house of a man, who died of a heart attack after discom officials “shocked” him with a power theft accusation, and reconnected the power line cut by the discom.

Kejriwal also challenged the city government to take action against him.

Kailash Chandra, 55, a resident of Satyam Puram near Najafgarh in outer Delhi, collapsed in front of the discom officials at noon on Friday. The officials had raided his house, alleging that he had been stealing electricity since the monthly bill was too less for a two-bedroom house.

Kejriwal and his supporters also staged protests across Delhi as part of their “bijli-paani satyagraha” launched on Saturday. He threatened to gherao the area police station if an FIR was not filed against the BSES officials.

“Although he (Chandra) had paid his bill, the officials entered his house through the back door and cut off power supply. No case has been filed against the BSES employees yet. If an FIR is not lodged within 24 hours, we will protest against the local police station,” Kejriwal said.

He also dared the Sheila Dikshit-led government to take action against him for violating the law by reconnecting power supply to the house.

“Chandra’s family should not be targeted by the government. It’s me who has reconnected power supply and the government can take whatever action it deems fit. I am ready to face the consequences,” Kejriwal said.

He said he will continue to violate the law by connecting power supply in any house
where discoms have cut off electricity.

Protests in MCD wards

Kejriwal and his supporters held protests in 114 municipal wards spread across 62 constituencies. They burned electricity bills to protest against power tariff hike. Manish Sisodia, Gopal Rai and Kumar Vishwas also joined the protest.

Kejriwal said the city government has allowed discoms to hike electricity rates just to extend benefits to private firms. “I have spoken to the Delhi Electricity Regulation Committee chairperson. He says the rates should be reduced by 20-30 per cent in Delhi. Sheila Diskhit and BSES should be held responsible for Chandra’s death and cases should be filed against them,” Kejriwal added.

He asked residents not to pay power bills and reconnect electricity themselves if discoms cut supply.