BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh Congress has launched a sharp offensive against the ruling BJP government, demanding immediate withdrawal of the proposed electricity tariff hike and relief for consumers.
Congress president of the Madhya Pradesh unit, Jitu Patwari, flayed the government’s decision to hike electricity tariffs by 4.80 per cent from April 1, describing it as a “direct assault on the pockets of the common people”.
He pointed out that tariffs in Madhya Pradesh have already risen by 22–24 per cent over the past decade, with domestic consumers facing steep increases in the 0–50 unit slab.
He also highlighted the additional monthly burden of the Fuel and Power Purchase Adjustment Surcharge (FPPAS), which he termed a hidden tax on consumers. Patwari questioned why losses of electricity distribution companies are repeatedly cited as justification without accountability, alleging that mismanagement and corruption are being passed on to the public.