By TC News Desk
Agartala, 21st July 2025: CPIM launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led state government’s power policies during a protest in Kailashahar today warning that smart meter installations and rising electricity tariffs are harming public interest under the guise of privatization.
The protest march followed by a public meeting at the old motor stand was organized by the CPIM Kailashahar sub-division committee. Addressing a large gathering, former Power Minister and Left Front convenor Manik Dey criticized the state government’s “anti-people” approach and drew attention to the increasing financial burden on consumers.
“Electricity is the backbone of modern civilization from homes to industries, everything runs on power. But today, the BJP government is gradually handing it over to private corporates,” Dey said.
Highlighting the central government’s long-term agenda, he remarked, “In 2003, during the Vajpayee government, a law was enacted with the intention to dismantle public control over generation, transmission, and distribution. BJP and Congress passed that bill together, while only the Left stood in opposition.”
Dey also reflected on the formation of the state-owned electricity company in 2005. “Despite being pushed into corporatization, we ensured the company was fully government-owned. It operated independently, made profits, and even paid dividends to the state,” he said.
Criticizing the steep tariff hike, Dey stated, “In 2018, the per unit cost was ₹3.99. Today, it’s almost double. They’ve imposed extra charges service fees, meter rent leading to unchecked financial exploitation.”
On the issue of smart meters, he didn’t mince words. “This smart meter is smart theft. Bills are being generated even without usage. People are harassed regularly. Electricity has stopped being a public service—it has turned into a profit-making venture.”
Calling for public resistance, he urged, “Protest, be vocal, take to the streets. Electricity is a right—not a product to be sold to corporates.”
The meeting was also addressed by CPIM state committee member Biswaroop Goswami, District Secretary Krishnandu Chaudhury and Sub-Division Secretary Anjan Roy, all of whom denounced the tariff hikes and smart meter installations as unjust financial burdens on the people.
