The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), an independent statutory body, has announced a hike of 36 paise per unit in electricity rates, thereby creating a storm in the political battle between the ruling Congress government and the opposition BJP in the state.
The BJP alleged that Congress was busy ignoring all the inflating prices and rather indulging themselves in what they called “appeasement politics”. Meanwhile, the Congress hit back at the hike in tariffs by stating that 85% of the state population would not be affected because of the free power scheme Gruha Jyothi, which offers free power for consumptions til 200 units.
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra made statements condemning the government and its rules, “It has been just inflation since Congress has come to power, and that is the only ‘guarantee’ they have given. The rising cost is hurting only the very poor, with women coming under this category the hardest.”
He even questioned that how could the government preach such fake promises of offering free light to the people and even increasing the tariffs at the same time. “Farmers are already suffering since they are not getting the promised seven hours of three-phase power supply. More over, several of these government departments, like the PWD, have dues to recover as electricity debts worth Rs 6,500 crore. Even then the government decided to hike the electricity prices,” Vijayendra said.
He further alleges that the government is more into appeasements regarding the real issues of the citizens. “Whether smart meter installations, electricity tariff hikes, or increasing metro fares, the government seems not just concerned about the common man but rather seems to displace them all.”
Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil countered the BJP’s accusations stating that it would heavily fall on the government since the free electricity scheme covers more than 85 percent of consumers. “This burden of this hike will not affect ordinary citizens,” Patil clarified.