Roll back power tariff hike in Andhra Pradesh, Opposition demands government

TDP will fight the decision tooth and nail, says Naidu; Left parties call for protest on Thursday

The opposition parties reacted bitterly to the “steep rise” announced in the power tariff on Wednesday, and demanded that the State government roll the tariff back immediately to give relief to the commoners.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national president N. Chandrababu Naidu, addressing the party workers, criticised Chief Minister Y.S.  Jagan Mohan Reddy for choosing to impose a “huge unbearable burden” on the people by effecting a steep rise in the power tariffs once again.

He appealed to all sections of society to condemn the “unilateral increase in power tariffs.”

Mr. Naidu also urged the people to oppose the fixing of meters to agriculture motors, which, he said, was tantamount to tying the noose around the necks of the farmers.

The TDP, he said, would fight against the steep rise in the power tariffs.

In his statement, TDP national general secretary N. Lokesh alleged that Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy had become the brand ambassador for “false promises.”

“The power tariff hike has come as a big blow to the people this summer. By doing away with several categories and bringing in six slabs, the government has give a rude jolt to the common man. The power tariff will now go up by 45 paise per unit below 30 units, by 91 paise between 31 and 75 units, and by ₹1.40 between 76 and 125 units. The increase will be ₹1.57 per unit between 126 and 225 units, ₹1.16 between 226 and 400 units, and 55 paise for above 400 units,” Mr. Lokesh said.