AAP promises more power to people, cheaper electricity

New Delhi: Cheaper electricity, decentralisation of power and a Delhi Lokpal bill are among the promises the Aam Admi Party (AAP) has made in its manifesto for the Dec 4 assembly elections released Wednesday.
Announcing the manifesto, AAP leader Yogendra Yadav said the party will undertake a “radical experiment” of decentralising power by organising “mohalla sabhas” (colony assemblies).
“Mohalla sabhas will be given some funds every year, and the people will decide what they want for their areas. Decisions will not be taken by MLAs or officials,” Yadav told reporters.
“Rates of electricity will be slashed to half, we will change the entire system of electricity distribution which is at present being manipulated by power discoms,” he said.
He added that control of the police will be brought under the Delhi government. At present, Delhi Police is under the jurisdiction of the union government.
Not misusing Anna’s name for campaigning: Kejriwal
Aam Admi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal Wednesday denied that the party was misusing Anna Hazare’s name during the Delhi assembly poll campaign and charged that there was a conspiracy to mislead the social activist.
“Anna said yesterday  (Tuesday) that some people showed him posters with his photo being used for AAP. We told Anna that the posters were not real,” said Kejriwal.
“It means fake posters were printed. There is a conspiracy to mislead Anna against us,” he said.
He also said Aam Admi Party (AAP) was not using Anna Hazare’s name in its party’s election campaigning.
“When I say Anna Hazare fasted for Janlokpal, it is a historical fact. People don’t understand Janlokpal, so I say Anna’s Lokpal bill. I always say it is not Anna’s party. Still if he (Anna Hazare) has objections, I will not use the term Anna’s Lokpal,” he told reporters.
The activist-turned-politician said AAP was being targeted by several “vested interests”.
“We have challenged all the powerful people. There are so many vested interests which are working to malign us. More may come out in next 48 to 72 hours.
“Manish (Sisodia), Prashant (Bhushan) all will be targetted,” Kejriwal said.
He, however, added he felt saddened by Anna’s allegations.
“I have only earned honesty in my life and when my ‘Guru’ questions me, I feel sad. If there is any misappropriation, I will not fight the polls,” he said.
Asked if he would talk to Anna Hazare, Kejriwal said he was not being allowed to do so.
“How do I talk to Anna, they don’t give the phone to him,” Kejriwal said. (IANS)