BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 11th July 2025: Amid growing public discontent over the recent hike in electricity tariffs and piped natural gas prices, the CPIM West Tripura District Committee launched a sharp protest in front of the Bhuturia Power Corporation office in Agartala today, calling the government’s decisions “anti-people” and demanding immediate rollback.
Party workers and supporters gathered in large numbers, raising slogans and accusing the BJP-led state government of pushing the people into a financial crisis. Former Power Minister Manik Dey, who led the demonstration, severely criticized the ruling dispensation, alleging a systematic attempt to cripple Tripura Power Corporation and pave the way for privatization.
“Back in 2014, electricity was priced at Rs 3.99 per unit. Now, it has skyrocketed to Rs 7.72 per unit under the present government. Add to that numerous hidden charges,” Dey said.
He also highlighted that the state-run power corporation was once a profit-making body but is now saddled with debts amounting to Rs 700 to ₹Rs 1,000 crore due to administrative mismanagement.
Dey also warned of potential irregularities with the introduction of smart meters. Drawing parallels with West Bengal, he claimed that even the BJP in that state had opposed the central push for smart meters, citing manipulation risks, prompting the Bengal government to withdraw the plan.
He further alleged that five divisions — Kailashahar, Kamalpur, Longtharaia, Mohanpur, and Sabroom — had already been handed over to private players, with no legal action taken even after allegations that the Kailashahar division fled after collecting customer payments.
Calling for mass mobilization, Dey urged citizens to unite against what he termed a ploy to privatize essential public services. The CPIM hinted at intensifying their agitation in the coming days.
