Bhopal, March 27 (NationPress) The Congress party in Madhya Pradesh has launched a fierce critique of the BJP-led state government, demanding the immediate reversal of the proposed electricity tariff increase and advocating for consumer relief.

Jitu Patwari, the president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress, condemned the government's decision to raise electricity tariffs by 4.80 percent starting April 1, calling it a “direct attack on the financial well-being of the average citizen”.

He noted that electricity rates in the state have surged by 22–24 percent over the last decade, with domestic users experiencing steep hikes, especially in the 0–50 unit slab.

Patwari also pointed out the extra monthly burden of the Fuel and Power Purchase Adjustment Surcharge (FPPAS), which he labeled a hidden tax on consumers. He questioned the government’s constant reference to losses incurred by electricity distribution companies as a rationale, alleging that mismanagement and corruption are being unjustly transferred to the public.

He dismissed the government’s claimed 20 percent discount on daytime EV charging as a “policy facade”, arguing that it serves only a minority of consumers while the majority continue to face hardships.

Patwari expressed concern that farmers, already burdened by debts and crop failures, would suffer even more due to this proposed increase.

The hike in electricity tariffs is set to take effect on April 1 of this year. In separate statements, senior Congress leader Kunal Chaudhary, along with AICC Secretary and former MLA, and state Congress president Jitu Patwari, accused the government of imposing unfair financial strains on everyday citizens and farmers alike.

Chaudhary, in his correspondence to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, urged the extension of the March 28 deadline for agricultural loan repayments, emphasizing that wheat harvesting remains unfinished and farmers have not yet sold their produce. He warned that mandating repayments at this time would ensnare cultivators in further debt.

He also called for the cancellation of punitive interest charges nearing 18 percent and criticized aggressive electricity bill recovery efforts, labeling them “cruel and undemocratic”.

Both leaders cautioned that the tariff increase would exacerbate inflation, negatively impact small businesses, and further burden farmers, even as the government celebrates a “special year” for agricultural producers.

Patwari demanded the repeal of the tariff hike, a transparent review of surcharges, an independent investigation into utility losses, and a relief package targeting the underprivileged and middle class.

The Congress party has indicated that if the government does not reverse this decision, they will initiate a statewide protest movement “from the streets to the legislative assembly”.