New Delhi:
Activist-turned-politician Arvind Kejriwal has announced a fast starting March 23 to protest against electricity prices in Delhi.
Mr Kejriwal has accused the Delhi government, headed by Sheila Dikshit, of conspiring with power companies to over-charge customers. He said that improvements in the distribution of power have accrued major savings for power companies, but these are not being passed on to consumers.
"This is a fast meant to awaken people, to help them remove their fears. I urge them not to pay bills. They may be afraid they will be sent to jail, their power connection snapped. If you are afraid, AAP (Aam Admi Party) volunteers will help you restore your connection. If you are afraid, do not pay the bills at least for one month. No one can snap your connections for not paying the bill for one month," he said.
Delhi votes for its next government later this year.
Mr Kejriwal shot into national prominence two years ago as the first lieutenant of anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare; together, they championed the Lokpal Bill, which creates a new national ombudsman to investigate and prosecute government servants accused of graft.
But last year, they parted after Mr Kejriwal decided to launch a political party.