CPI (M) hit streets across Tripura over government’s decision to install smart meters, introduce additional power surcharges

Demanding the withdrawal of the increased prices of electricity, CNG, PNG, drinking water, and Gomati milk, and protesting the installation of smart electric meters without considering consumers’ objections, the opposition CPI (M) on Thursday also organized protest rallies and meeting in different parts of the state.

CPI (M) on Thursday organized big protest rallies at Khowai, Dharmanagar, Belonia and Kumarghat towns by strengthening their voices against installation of smart electric meters and increased prices of electricity, CNG, PNG, drinking water, and Gomati milk.

Opposition leaders said that they will continue to hit the streets in Tripura over the state government’s decision to install smart meters, introduce additional power surcharges till the withdrawal of decisions.

Addressing a protest rally at Khowai , former Power Minister Manik Dey said that power bills have gone up and they strongly condemn this. In West Bengal, BJP is opposing the installation of smart meters, but in Tripura, the power minister is in favour of the installation of smart meters.

 “In Tripura, people want to know how much commission did (the BJP) get for introducing the smart meter. We demand that the installation be stopped immediately and the surcharges be withdrawn for the sake of poor people. There is no food, work here but the government, for the sake of a section of people, is trying to put the burden on the poor people,” said Dey.

He claimed that the BJP said it would introduce a reasonable power tariff, but in reality, after the BJP came to power, the power services are in a miserable condition across the state.

“We demand that the state stop the installation of smart meters and roll back the power surcharges,” said Dey.

In the protest rallies held at other parts of the state, CPI(M) leaders strongly criticized the state government increasing burden on common people and demanded roll back of smart electric meter installation decisions.