The controversy over the recent electricity tariff hike in Tripura has intensified, with Pradesh Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha accusing the state government of taking contradictory positions and misleading consumers on the issue.
Saha questioned the government’s decision to announce a Rs 100 crore subsidy to ease the burden of increased electricity tariffs, pointing out that the move appeared inconsistent with its earlier stand that the government had no role in determining the revised rates.
The Congress leader recalled that only weeks ago, the Power Minister had maintained that tariff hikes and newly introduced charges were entirely under the jurisdiction of the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission (TERC). According to Saha, the government had then attempted to distance itself from the issue by claiming that the department had “no role” in the tariff decision.
Saha alleged that the earlier position amounted to an attempt to evade responsibility at a time when consumers were increasingly complaining about higher electricity bills.
He said public anger over the tariff hike had already developed into a widespread movement across the state, with the Congress repeatedly demanding clarity from the government. Instead of directly addressing the concerns, he alleged, the ruling establishment has now announced a subsidy package.
Questioning the government’s decision to organise thanksgiving programmes following the announcement, Saha asked why subsidies were being declared after consumers had already faced what he described as a substantial increase in electricity expenses.
The Congress president also sought detailed information about the proposed subsidy. He demanded clarity on the total financial requirement to offset the tariff increase, the extent of relief that the Rs 100 crore allocation would actually provide, and the mechanism through which the benefit would reach consumers.
He specifically asked who would qualify for the subsidy, how it would be implemented and how much financial relief ordinary households could expect.
Saha said the Congress would refrain from taking a final position until the government provides a clear implementation plan and demonstrates tangible benefits for consumers.
“We will first see how the subsidy is delivered and whether people truly gain financial relief. Only then will the Congress announce its next stand on the electricity tariff issue,” he said.
