Delhi, August 1: In a major development, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday, August 1, announced that electricity usage up to 200 units will be free in the national capital. He added that electricity consumed between 201 and 400 units will be at half price. The announcement comes months before the Assembly election in Delhi on February 2020.

"Today the cheapest electricity in the country is in Delhi. Nobody says anything if the VIPs and big politicians get free power. Why to deprive the common man," Kejriwal said.  Delhi Power Tariff Sees No Hike For Fifth Consecutive Year; Arvind Kejriwal Congratulates Delhiites, Says 'Capital Only Place in India With 24x7 Electricity Connection'.

"People used to pay Rs 622 for 200 units of electricity until yesterday, now it's free. For 250 units they used to pay Rs 800, now they'll pay Rs 252. For 300 units they used to pay Rs 971, now they'll pay Rs 526. For 400 units, they used to pay Rs 1320, now they'll pay Rs 1075," Kejriwal said.

Tweet by ANI:

Terming it as "historic day for Delhi", Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia tweeted, "Historic day for Delhi! CM @ArvindKejriwal declares Free Lifeline Electricity of 200 units to all Every family deserves a life of dignity. Just like good education & healthcare, a basic quantum of electricity to run lights/fans at home is essential for that."

Tweet by Manish Sisodia:

On Wednesday, Kejriwal put out a tweet congratulating Delhi for witnessing "no hike in electricity tariff”. The Chief Minister also claimed that the capital, on the contrary, saw “reduced tariffs” for the fifth consecutive year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 01, 2019 12:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).