The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, dealt a blow to the Delhi government’s recent solar policy, suspending it just a month after its announcement by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The move has sparked strong reactions from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with MP Sandeep Pathak expressing deep disappointment and accusing the BJP of undermining not only Kejriwal but also the interests of Delhi and its residents.
Pathak lamented the suspension, describing the Delhi Solar Policy 2024 as a highly progressive and forward-thinking initiative that could serve as a model for the entire country. He emphasized its potential to not only benefit Delhi but also urged the Prime Minister and the BJP to consider implementing it nationwide. However, he criticized the BJP’s obstructionist approach, suggesting that their opposition stemmed from political motives rather than genuine concern for the welfare of the people.
The Delhi Solar Policy 2024, introduced on January 29 by the AAP government, aimed to revolutionize the energy landscape by enabling households to install solar panels on their rooftops, thereby reducing electricity bills and even allowing them to earn from surplus energy generation. Building upon the State Solar Policy 2016, which saw significant growth in solar power capacity, the new policy set ambitious targets, aiming for 4500 megawatts of installed solar power capacity in Delhi by 2027.
Arvind Kejriwal, addressing the media during the policy’s announcement, highlighted its objectives of combating air pollution and inflation by reducing electricity bills for residential consumers and offering substantial discounts for commercial and industrial users. Power Minister Atishi and Vice Chairperson of the Dialogue and Development Commission of Delhi, Jasmine Shah, joined Kejriwal in emphasizing the policy’s benefits and its alignment with the government’s environmental and economic goals.
Underlining the existing subsidies provided by the Delhi government for electricity consumption, Kejriwal underscored the policy’s commitment to further easing the burden on residents while promoting sustainable energy practices.
The suspension of the Delhi Solar Policy 2024 marks a setback for efforts to promote clean energy and reduce dependence on traditional power sources in the national capital. The AAP’s criticism suggests broader tensions between the ruling party in Delhi and the central government, highlighting the political dimensions surrounding policy decisions in the region.
