AAP accuses Gujarat government, Torrent Power for high power tariff

AHMEDABAD: Aam Aadmi Party ( AAP) today accused the Gujarat government of being "complicit" in "financial manipulation" of power generation and distribution company Torrent Power, which has caused a jump in electricity tariff in the state.

AAP leader Ashutosh told reporters here that both the governments, when Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister and the present Anandiben Patel administration, preferred to turn a "blind eye" to "financial irregularities" of Torrent Power.

"Torrent is charging higher price for power it supplies, and it is not possible without the support of the Gujarat government," he said.

The party plans to take up the issue and launch an agitation on April 10-11 in Surat, which will be taken to other cities where Torrent supplies power.

Reacting to the allegations, L Chuaungo, principal secretary, energy and petrochemical department, Gujarat government, said the AAP should first analyse power situations across the country before making wild charges.

"They should first compare it with tariff in other states before making allegations. Our tariff is around the country average, and also nobody provides the type of power that we do, in terms of quality. So they should make proper analysis before making wild allegations," he said.

Torrent Power officials were not available for any comments.