Karnataka Electricity Tariff Increased; BJP Critiques, Congress Claims 85% Not Affected
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Synopsis
The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission has raised electricity tariffs by 36 paise per unit. The BJP criticizes the Congress government, claiming neglect towards inflation, while Congress insists that 85% of consumers will not be affected due to the Gruha Jyothi scheme.
Key Takeaways
- KERC increased electricity prices by 36 paise per unit.
- BJP accuses Congress of focusing on appeasement.
- Congress claims 85% of users will not be affected.
- Government departments owe significant unpaid bills.
- Criticism of electricity policy continues in the Assembly.
Bengaluru, March 20 (NationPress) The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), a statutory authority, has raised electricity rates by 36 paise per unit on Thursday, igniting a fierce debate between the Congress-led government and the opposition BJP in the state.
The BJP has charged the Congress with concentrating solely on appeasement while ignoring inflation concerns. In reply, the Congress has asserted that the electricity price rise will not impact 85 percent of the populace, as they benefit from free power for up to 200 units under the Gruha Jyothi scheme.
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra stated, “Since the unfortunate Congress-led government assumed power, its sole contribution to the people has been inflation. That is their only guarantee. We have been highlighting this issue for quite some time. Inflation has severely impacted the poor, particularly women.”
“To mask their failures, they continually assert that the Central government is mistreating the state. On one hand, they promise free electricity, yet on the other, they raise tariffs. Farmers are in distress as the government is unable to provide a consistent seven-hour supply of three-phase electricity.
Additionally, government departments like the PWD owe Rs 6,500 crore in unpaid electricity bills. Despite this, the state government has opted to increase electricity rates. We will bring this matter up in the Assembly session,” Vijayendra announced.
He further accused the government of prioritizing appeasement over the concerns of ordinary citizens. “Whether it is smart meter installations, electricity tariff hikes, or metro fare increases, they simply don’t care,” he charged.
In response to the criticisms, Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil stated that the tariff increase would mainly affect the government, as it is providing free electricity to 85 percent of consumers using less than 200 units. “The burden will not fall on the populace,” he assured.
“The BJP lacks common sense. Over 85 percent of consumers are part of the free power scheme, yet they speak for the wealthy who own industries. Moreover, the government does not set electricity rates -- an independent agency is responsible for that. It is misleading to claim that power prices have risen due to the free power scheme,” Minister Patil clarified.
Minister for Labour Santosh Lad reiterated that KERC, as a statutory authority, had resolved to increase tariffs by 36 paise per unit. “Most recipients of free electricity will not be affected by this rise,” he added.
Meanwhile, senior BJP MLA and Deputy Leader in the Assembly Arvind Bellad condemned the Congress government for increasing electricity tariffs. “They argue that the Electricity Supply Companies in the state are incurring massive losses, necessitating the tariff hike. However, they have proposed an increase that is double what these companies requested, unfairly burdening the public,” he alleged.
