Agartala, July 23:
The Tripura government’s push to install smart meters for power consumers has triggered a political standoff, primarily between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition CPI(M). While BJP leaders, including State President Rajib Bhattacharjee and Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, have defended the move, the CPI(M) has launched an aggressive campaign opposing it across both urban and rural areas.
Despite multiple efforts by the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) and the ruling party to justify the smart meter installation, confusion and dissatisfaction among consumers persist. Social media is flooded with criticism of the state’s power infrastructure, which continues to struggle under increasing load demands.
The CPI(M) has taken a grassroots approach—organizing protests at the block and Panchayat levels, and using public spaces like tea stalls and markets to spread their message. Reports of inflated electricity bills in some areas have further intensified public frustration and fueled opposition narratives.
Adding to the government’s woes is the tepid response from many BJP leaders, with even grassroots workers criticizing the move publicly. This internal dissent has pushed the party on the defensive.
TSECL recently revealed that around 50% of consumers default on power bill payments, contributing to the utility’s mounting dues. While there has been some improvement, authorities appear reluctant to take strong action against defaulters. In many interior areas, rampant power theft via “hook lines” continues unchecked.
Though the Power Minister claimed drones would be deployed to monitor illegal connections, ground-level implementation remains unclear. A growing perception has emerged that law-abiding consumers are being penalized through smart meters, while habitual defaulters and power thieves continue to operate freely—widening the gap between policy and public trust.
