Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced that upto 200 units of electricity will be free in Delhi from today.

Under the “Free Lifeline Electricity” scheme, those people who consume up to 200 units of electricity need not pay their electricity bills, the Aam Aadmi (AAP) party chief announced.

Power consumed between 201 and 400 units will be at half price as the Delhi government will provide 50 per cent subsidy, he added.

Calling it a “historic decision”, Kejriwal said, “Today the cheapest electricity in the country is in Delhi,” adding that it will help the common man.

When top officials and government people can get free electricity, so can a common man, CM Arvind Kejriwal said.

Putting out the previous rate and the present Kejriwal said, “People used to pay Rs 622 for 200 units of electricity till yesterday, now it is free. For 250 units they used to pay Rs 800, now they will pay Rs 252. For 300 units they used to pay Rs 971, now they will pay Rs 526. For 400 units, they used to pay Rs 1320, now they will pay Rs 1075.”

The move will cover at least 33 per cent consumers in the capital, whose usage is less than 200 units in the summer, according to the CM.

“During the winter, the power consumption of around 70 per cent people is below 200,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia lauded the announcement and tweeted, “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”.

“After transforming the power sector in Delhi with 24*7 electricity, improved infrastructure, improved financial health of electricity distribution companies, CM @ArvindKejriwal announces 200 units lifeline electricity free for Delhi’s citizens (sic),” tweeted AAP leader Atishi.

After transforming the power sector in Delhi with 24*7 electricity, improved infrastructure, improved financial health of electricity distribution companies, CM @ArvindKejriwal announces 200 units lifeline electricity free for Delhi’s citizens (1/2) pic.twitter.com/IfWkG9qDXS

— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) August 1, 2019

“Now Delhi will have the cheapest electricity across all cities and states in the country. This is the impact of electing an honest government!” she said in another tweet.

Meanwhile, the BJP has called the move as an election strategy. State BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said that it was “not the decision of Kejriwal but a result of BJP’s struggle”.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had tweeted that there was no electricity tariff hike in Delhi for the fifth consecutive year.

“Delhi has the lowest electricity tariffs in the country now and Delhi is the only place in India with 24×7 electricity,” Kejriwal tweeted.

Power Minister Satyendar Jain said the chief minister had requested the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) to reduce fixed charges three months ago.

“Fix charges reduced by DERC. Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal requested for the same 3 months ago. Thanks to DERC,” Jain tweeted.

In good news for senior citizens, the Delhi government on Tuesday added seven more routes to its fully-funded pilgrimage tour. Now the total number of routes or circuits is 12.

The additional routes will include a pilgrimage to Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Jagannath Puri (Odisha) and Shridi (Maharashtra).