As the race for the US presidency intensifies, Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris are vying to win over voters. The election campaigns and promises in the US resemble those seen worldwide, with candidates making pledges aimed at appealing to the public. One of Trump’s recent promises might sound familiar to Indian audiences.
During a rally in Michigan, Trump vowed to slash electricity rates by half, stating, “I will cut the price of ENERGY and ELECTRICITY in HALF within 12 months. We will seriously expedite our environmental approvals, and quickly double our electricity capacity. This will DRIVE DOWN INFLATION, and make AMERICA and MICHIGAN the best place on earth to build a factory.”
Watch:
Trump has announced that he will reduce electricity rates by half. Free ki revri reach US… https://t.co/IHxQ4AhXcA
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) October 11, 2024
This promise struck a chord with Indian audiences, as it closely resembles the 2020 Delhi assembly campaign slogan of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) — “Bijli Half, Paani Maaf.”
Reacting to Trump’s statement, AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal took a subtle jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. Modi and his party had previously criticized such subsidy promises, calling them ‘muft ki revri’ or gimmicks. Without directly naming any party, Kejriwal tweeted, “Trump has announced that he will reduce electricity rates by half. Free ki revri reach US…”
In the same speech in Detroit, Trump also addressed international trade tariffs, highlighting the high tariffs imposed by India. He promised to implement a “reciprocal tax” if elected, targeting countries like India that he claims charge hefty tariffs on American goods. Trump explained that the US, unlike other nations, generally refrains from imposing such duties but noted that India imposes the highest tariffs.
“Perhaps the most important element of my plan to make America extraordinarily wealthy again is reciprocity,” Trump stated. He singled out India, despite acknowledging his strong relationship with Prime Minister Modi, saying, “India is a very big charger. We have a great relationship with India, and especially with its leader, Modi. He’s a great leader, a great man. But they charge a lot.”
