Tripura Opposition slams BJP over tariff hike, calls for movement against price rise

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Tripura government over the recent hike in electricity and water tariffs, accusing it of burdening the common people and pushing for privatization in essential services.

Addressing a press conference today, CPI(M) Politburo member and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chowdhury vehemently condemned the government’s decision to increase utility rates at a time when citizens are already grappling with erratic electricity supply and economic hardships.

“In the past, Tripura had the distinction of supplying electricity not only to other northeastern states but also to different parts of the country. That legacy has been lost under the BJP regime,” Chowdhury said. 

He alleged that over the last seven years, instead of strengthening infrastructure, the government spent crores on publicity and hoardings in the name of making Tripura a model state.

Taking a dig at Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Chowdhury criticized him for holding a detailed briefing on power tariff and smart meters at the BJP party office instead of addressing the media through his official department. 

“The minister intentionally avoided departmental accountability and instead used the party platform to spread misleading information, glossing over the actual condition of the power sector,” he said.

The CPIM leader further alleged that the introduction of smart meters is a step towards the full privatization of power services in the state. 

“Even a little rain causes week-long power cuts. Despite that, the government is shamelessly increasing electricity charges. At the same time, water tariffs have also gone up. This is nothing but an attack on the people’s pockets through indirect taxation,” he added.