INLD Protests Power Tariff Hike in Haryana

The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) on Tuesday organized a protest in Panchkula, strongly opposing Haryana's recent hike in power tariffs. The party demanded the government rescind the increased rates.

Undeterred by unfavorable weather conditions, a significant number of INLD supporters, including many women, assembled near Shakti Bhawan, the electricity department's office, to demonstrate. The power tariff for various categories has been revised starting April.

The state government asserted that the tariff increase is 'minimal and moderate' and labeled allegations of electricity bills rising up to four times as 'misleading.' INLD workers countered with anti-government slogans and advocated for a rollback of the hiked rates.

INLD president Abhay Singh Chautala, alongside state unit chief Rampal Majra, party MLAs, and other leaders, voiced dissatisfaction with the government. Chautala claimed that the BJP's election promises remain unfulfilled, leaving various groups discontented.

Criticizing Power Minister Anil Vij's statements that no rates have increased during the BJP's tenure, Chautala pointed out multiple past hikes, highlighting a current three-fold increase in bills. He recalled a similar, successful protest in 2015.

Chautala stressed the INLD's role as an effective opposition, criticizing the Congress for allegedly collaborating with the BJP. He asserted that public trust now resides solely with the INLD.

Chautala warned of further actions if the tariff hikes aren't rescinded. Contrarily, the government stated this is the first tariff hike since FY 2017-18, aiming to manage power procurement costs while maintaining operational efficiency and reducing AT&C losses from 29% to 10% over a decade.

Recent government statements refuted claims of a fourfold increase, stressing that the hike is modest and consistent with past rates, advising year-over-year bill comparisons for accurate consumption assessments.

(With inputs from agencies.)