By TC News Desk
Agartala, 24th July 2025: The CPI(M)’s Dharmanagar divisional committee staged a protest rally and demonstration today outside the local Power department office, alleging widespread public harassment under the state government’s push for smart meter installations.
According to CPI(M) leaders, the introduction of smart meters has led to a drastic and unexplained surge in electricity bills across the region. Protesters marched from various parts of the city, converging outside the office to voice their grievances.
Among those present were divisional committee secretary Abhijit Dey, former minister Bijita Nath along with several party leaders, workers, and supporters. Speakers at the rally demanded an immediate halt to the smart meter initiative and urged the government to relieve citizens of the mounting financial burden. They warned that failure to act could trigger wider public unrest in the coming days.
Abhijit Dey highlighted that while Tripura previously relied on imported electricity due to inadequate production infrastructure, the state now generates its own power. “People had hoped for affordable and uninterrupted services,” Dey said, “but instead, electricity bills have skyrocketed since the installation of smart meters.”
He further contrasted the current situation with the previous Left Front administration, which reportedly subsidized electricity distribution with just ₹40 lakh to ensure access for ordinary citizens. Dey accused the present government of pursuing a politics of exploitation and intimidation, cautioning that the rising electricity costs could become a key factor in its eventual downfall.
