No, Delhi minister Atishi Marlena didn’t announce cancellation of power subsidy

What’s the claim

A video of Delhi’s power minister Atishi saying the power subsidy in the national capital will end is widely circulating online ahead of the sixth phase of polling on May 25. The video has been overlaid with Hindi text that reads, “Free electricity ends in Delhi. (translated to English).”

Several users on X (formerly Twitter) shared the clip with a claim that the party has decided to end the subsidy before the polls, urging voters to think about whom to vote for. Archived versions of such posts can be found here, here, and here.

In the 34-second clip, Atishi says, "The power subsidy for 46 lakh families in the national capital ends today, which means from tomorrow subsidized electricity bills will not be provided. Those previously receiving zero bills will see an increase, and those with 50 percent subsidy will face higher bills.”

Screenshot of claims made online. (Source: X/Modified by Logically Facts)

However, the video is from a press conference that Atishi held in April 2023. She had alleged that the Delhi government will have to end the subsidy because VK Saxena, the lieutant governor of Delhi, had not cleared the file.  

What we found

We came across a video posted by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on its official X channel (archived here) on April 14, 2023. In it, Atishi said that the government would have to end the power subsidy, citing LG’s pending approval as the reason.

She displayed several letters from electricity distribution companies (discoms) to the government and said that they intend to raise tariffs for the year 2023-2024. She highlighted a letter from Tata Power and said that they will start non-subsidized billing due to the absence of communication about the continuation of power subsidy.

The viral video only includes the first one minute and 20 seconds of the original footage. In the full video, Atishi elaborates on the reasons behind the subsidy withdrawal, which has been omitted from the viral clip.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the LG’s office refuted these claims and said that extension of power subsidy was cleared. While the AAP government said it was done post the press conference, the LG’s office maintained that it was done a day before it.  

What about the power subsidy in Delhi?

The Delhi government provides free electricity for a monthly consumption of up to 200 units. A 50 percent subsidy is given to those who consume electricity between 201-400 units. The government reportedly pays rupees 3,500 crore per annum for the power subsidy scheme.

On March 7, 2024, AAP issued a statement announcing that the Delhi Cabinet of Ministers, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, approved the continuation of the power subsidy scheme for the financial year 2024-25.

The verdict

A cropped video from an April 2023 press conference, where Delhi's power minister Atishi announces the "end" of power subsidy, is being taken out of context ahead of the polling in the national capital.