The Delhi Cabinet has reaffirmed its commitment to continue power subsidies for key sections of society, including the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh genocide, farmers, lawyers’ chambers, and existing domestic consumers. Announcing the decision, Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood on April 15, hit out at what he termed as a “disinformation campaign” orchestrated by opposition leaders, aimed at misleading the people of Delhi.
Speaking at a press conference in the national capital, Ashish Sood categorically stated, “Today the Delhi Cabinet has made a decisive call over the power subsidy policy. We will continue the subsidies for our farmers, for 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims, for lawyers’ chambers, and for existing domestic users. This is a major decision, especially for the Sikh genocide survivors and the legal fraternity.”
Sood minced no words in condemning what he described as a malicious propaganda campaign alleging the rollback of power subsidies under the BJP-led government. “There was continuous disinformation being spread that the Delhi Government would stop the power subsidy. With this Cabinet decision, that lie stops today,” he asserted.
Taking a veiled but pointed dig at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership, Ashish Sood added, “A self-declared unemployed leader will continue to peddle such lies every day. But the Delhi Government will work at its own pace and cancel all such fabrications.”
#WATCH | Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood says, "Today Delhi Cabinet has made a decision over power subsidy. In a special proposal, the Delhi Cabinet has decided to continue the subsidy for farmers, subsidy for 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims, subsidy to lawyers' chambers and… pic.twitter.com/LXWYqciIQG
— ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2025
On a parallel note, Delhi Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh addressed the rumors surrounding the city’s Electric Vehicle (EV) policy. He denied claims that autorickshaws would be phased out under the new regime. “I have said it before and I’ll say it again—there is no truth to the rumors that autos will be discontinued. All vehicles will continue to ply as usual. We are committed to providing improved facilities for the people of Delhi,” Singh clarified.
आज दिल्ली सचिवालय में मुख्यमंत्री श्रीमती @gupta_rekha जी की अध्यक्षता में इलेक्ट्रिक व्हीकल (EV) नीति को लेकर दिल्ली कैबिनेट की एक महत्वपूर्ण बैठक आयोजित हुई।
बैठक के उपरांत मैंने और अपने कैबिनेट सहयोगी श्री @ashishsood_bjp जी के साथ मिलकर मीडिया को इस नीतिगत चर्चा में लिए गए… pic.twitter.com/iMqtn0el3e
— Pankaj Kumar Singh (@drpankajbjp) April 15, 2025
The statements by BJP ministers come against the backdrop of aggressive campaigning by the Aam Aadmi Party during the Delhi Assembly elections held in February. AAP had claimed that if voted to power, the BJP would axe five popular welfare initiatives, including free electricity, water, government schools, mohalla clinics, and free bus rides for women.
However, the BJP registered a historic mandate, securing 48 out of 70 Assembly seats and returning to power in Delhi after 27 years—a result many interpret as a clear public rejection of AAP’s “fear mongering.”
Among the four categories receiving continued subsidies, the inclusion of 1984 anti-Sikh genocide victims holds special political and emotional significance. After decades of state neglect, this gesture is seen as a symbolic commitment to justice and reparative support for a community that has long demanded recognition and relief.
“It’s more than just a subsidy—it’s a statement. The Delhi Government is saying: ‘We haven’t forgotten,’” said Gurmeet Singh, a community leader and survivor of the 1984 genocide. “We hope this continues as part of a larger policy of acknowledgment and justice.”
