Delhi BJP smells scam in discoms

A high-level delegation of the Delhi BJP, led by party president Virendra Sachdeva, met Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Tuesday to submit a memorandum alleging financial irregularities in the functioning of two discoms (distribution companies) of BSES, a joint venture of Reliance Infrastructure & Delhi Govt). The delegation demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged scam and action against those involved.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva raised serious allegations against the BSES discoms and the AAP government, which owns a 49 percent stake in these companies.

Sachdeva pointed out discrepancies in the operations of Delhi’s three discoms. “All three power discoms purchase and sell electricity under identical terms. Yet, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (NDPL) consistently makes profits and distributes dividends to the Delhi government, while the two BSES discoms post significant losses. This anomaly needs to be investigated,” he stated.

He further alleged that BSES discoms have accumulated outstanding dues of Rs 26,000 crore payable to Delhi government utilities, such as Pragati Power and Indraprastha Power. “Despite repeated delays in payments to Delhi government entities, the BSES discoms continue to make payments to other companies like NTPC, NHPC, and their own subsidiary, Sasan Power. This selective payment pattern raises serious questions,” Sachdeva said.

Highlighting regulatory violations, Sachdeva claimed that the BSES discoms have been misusing provisions related to “regulatory assets.”