Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman on Sunday launched a strong attack on the Tripura government over the ongoing installation of smart electricity meters, alleging that consumers are being forced to bear an increasing financial burden through higher electricity bills and multiple additional charges.

Raising questions over the smart meter rollout, Roy Barman said the state government had earlier told consumers that installation of smart meters was mandatory. However, he claimed that the Union Power Minister had informed Parliament that smart meters are optional for consumers and that existing meters could continue to be used.

“After such a clarification at the Centre, why is the installation of smart meters still being continued in Tripura?” he asked.

The Congress MLA also criticised the electricity billing structure, alleging that consumers are being charged additional amounts under heads such as fixed charges and service charges.

He claimed that households which previously received monthly electricity bills of around Rs 500–600 are now paying as much as Rs 1,500. Similarly, consumers who earlier paid around Rs 1,500 are allegedly receiving bills ranging between Rs 3,000 and Rs 3,500.

“At a time when the prices of essential commodities are increasing and people’s purchasing power is declining, such an additional burden is not compatible with their income and livelihood,” Roy Barman said.

He urged Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha to intervene immediately and hold discussions with the Power Minister to ensure relief for consumers. He also demanded the withdrawal of what he described as unnecessary and excessive charges.

Roy Barman further raised concerns over the alleged financial pressure on auto-rickshaw drivers, claiming that traffic authorities are imposing fines and setting targets for penalty collection.

The Congress MLA said ordinary people are facing pressure from multiple directions, including rising electricity expenses, taxes, traffic fines and increasing prices of essential commodities.

“Our concern is not whether the government is on the front foot or back foot. Our demand is simple — the people who voted for the government must be given relief,” he said.

Roy Barman called for immediate corrective measures and withdrawal of excessive charges, warning that continued inaction could further increase public dissatisfaction.