Shimla: BJP state spokesperson Sandipani Bhardwaj on Friday criticised the Congress govt in Himachal Pradesh, accusing it of preparing to increase electricity tariffs despite promising 300 units of free power during the last legislative assembly elections.Bhardwaj said the move reflected a clear gap between the party’s promises and its actions. He claimed that electricity rates in the state could increase by around one rupee per unit. If implemented, the hike would affect lakhs of consumers and may impose an additional financial burden of nearly Rs 1,200 crore annually on the people of the state. According to him, this would further increase the cost of living for ordinary citizens.The BJP leader also stated that the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board reportedly sought around Rs 8,593 crore from the regulatory commission for the upcoming financial year, a figure significantly higher than last year. Bhardwaj alleged that this indicated the state govt was trying to shift the burden of its economic mismanagement onto the public.Bhardwaj added that the state govt changed the earlier system under which electricity generated by public sector undertakings was directly supplied to the electricity board. Due to the new arrangement, the board may now have to purchase expensive power from the open market, which could push tariffs higher. He also accused Congress of forgetting its election manifesto and “10 Guarantees” after coming to power. He warned that if electricity prices were increased, the BJP would strongly oppose the move both on the streets and in the assembly. MSID:: 129150271 413 |
