Former Tripura Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government over the alleged forced installation of smart electricity meters across the state, calling it “unacceptable” and a ploy to benefit corporate interests.

Speaking to reporters, the former Politburo member said there were no issues with traditional electricity meters and questioned the sudden push for smart meters. “Proper readings were being obtained with the old meters. So why this sudden imposition of smart meters?” he asked.

According to Sarkar, the decision is part of a larger agenda by the RSS-backed BJP to serve capitalist interests at the cost of the common people.

“People in BJP-ruled states are being forced to install smart meters, resulting in skyrocketing electricity bills. This is nothing but a new method of looting the public,” he alleged.

He also pointed out the contradiction in the BJP’s stance. 

“When the Trinamool government in West Bengal tried to introduce smart meters, the BJP opposed it. Then why is the same BJP forcing people in Tripura to accept it?” Sarkar questioned.

Sarkar clarified that the people are not against scientific progress but stressed that technological advancements must be implemented with public awareness and consent. 

“If the government's intention was truly to make people’s lives easier through scientific means, it should have first explained the benefits of smart meters to the public. Scientific progress cannot be imposed forcefully,” he said.

The CPI(M) leader’s remarks come amid growing public protests across Tripura against the installation of smart meters, with many residents alleging inflated bills and lack of transparency in the process.

As opposition to the smart meter drive intensifies, Sarkar’s comments are likely to further sharpen the political discourse surrounding the issue in the state.