Introduction

The topic of how Arvind Kejriwal has managed to reduce electricity bills in Delhi is a causality that raises several questions and speculations. While acknowledging the political sensitivities attached to discussions about governance and policy-making, this article delves into the facts and challenges surrounding his tenure as Chief Minister of Delhi.

Political Context and Background

Arvind Kejriwal's tenure as the Chief Minister of Delhi brought with it significant changes in numerous areas, including the management and regulation of electricity services. However, his methods and achievements in this domain have been controversial and subject to scrutiny.

Collaboration and Non-Collaboration

Under Kejriwal's governance, there were moments of collaboration and non-collaboration with various political entities, including Reliance Energy and the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government. Najeeb Jung, the ex-director of Reliance Energy, was involved in a program aimed at increasing electricity bills to establish fixed rates of Rs 7 per unit without a subsidy on the first 400 units. This plan faced a delay during Kejriwal's initial term due to his alliance with Congress and the anti-corruption stance. However, when the BJP took over, there were instances of power cuts in underdeveloped areas, lasting anywhere between 10 to 12 hours.

The Role of Governors and Political Stability

An interesting aspect of Kejriwal's governance was the role of the governors. Notably, Najeeb Jung, who was appointed Governor by the UPA, did not make significant moves during Kejriwal's brief term. There were multiple instances of UPA-appointed governors being removed, but the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed by Narendra Modi managed to empower Najeeb Jung. This contradicted the notion of inaction by Kejriwal, as many significant decisions required approval from the Governor, particularly after the BJP's ascension to power.

Ideological and Practical Challenges

Politically, Kejriwal's vision of "freebies" to serve the public is a precursor to criticism. From a practical standpoint, reducing electricity bills is a complex task. While Arvind Kejriwal managed to control the hike in electricity bills, the issue of consistent power supply remains a challenge. The lack of electricity infrastructure means that even higher subsidies may not yield significant results.

Case Studies and Notable Achievements

Despite the broader challenges, Kejriwal did make some notable decisions. For example, in developed colonies of Delhi, where the groundwater levels were sufficient, he directed the Delhi Jal Board to remove generators and installed additional generators in underdeveloped areas. This initiative aimed to ensure uninterrupted access to water and electricity, addressing the needs of residents in a practical and efficient manner.

Conclusion

The impact of Arvind Kejriwal's governance on electricity bills in Delhi is a multifaceted issue. While his tenure brought about some improvements and controlled increases, the broader challenges of infrastructure and political collaboration often hindered more significant progress. Nonetheless, his efforts and initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of the underdeveloped areas highlight the potential for proactive governance.