AAP Government Challenges Umesh Kumar's Appointment as DERC Chairman, Alleges Vindictive BJP Conspiracy

At a press conference on Thursday, Power Minister Atishi announced that the AAP government intends to file a petition with the Supreme Court against the appointment of former Allahabad High Court judge Umesh Kumar as the Chairman of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC).

Atishi stated that the government had recommended retired Justice Sangeet Lodha for the position on June 21, but their choice was disregarded by the BJP-led Centre.

The appointment of Umesh Kumar is an attempt to disrupt the elected government of Delhi. She labeled the move as “unconstitutional” and a “vindictive conspiracy” by the Centre. Atishi alleged that the BJP is seeking retribution against Delhi’s residents for electing Arvind Kejriwal as Chief Minister three times.

She vowed that Kejriwal would not allow the termination of the Delhi government’s free electricity scheme and that the BJP’s plots would fail.

Atishi argued that electricity is a transferred subject, and the central government is obliged to act according to the advice and recommendations of the elected state government on all power-related matters.

A statement issued by the lieutenant governor’s office revealed that President Droupadi Murmu appointed Justice Kumar as the DERC chairman. Earlier, in January, Kejriwal had recommended retired high court judge Rajeev Kumar Shrivastava for the position.

The LG’s office stated that Shrivastava declined the appointment due to “family commitments and requirements” in a communication sent on June 15.

Atishi claimed that the BJP’s discontent stems from Kejriwal’s successful implementation of the country’s lowest electricity rates in Delhi. She criticized BJP-ruled states for imposing higher tariffs, citing examples such as Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor criticized the power minister for politicizing the appointment of the DERC chairman and accused the Kejriwal government of exhibiting childish behavior on administrative issues.

Atishi contended that the late-night notification of the appointment is part of the BJP’s hidden agenda to destabilize Delhi’s power sector, dismantle the provision of free electricity, and burden residents with exorbitant costs. She warned that this move could result in prolonged power cuts, similar to the experiences of neighboring areas.

The AAP government’s decision to challenge the appointment to the Supreme Court reflects their determination to fight against what they perceive as an illegal and politically motivated action by the central government. The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for Delhi’s power sector and the provision of free electricity to its residents.

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