Agartala (Tripura) July 14: Opposition Parties in Tripura continue to raise their voices against the installation of smart meters and escalating electricity costs. Alleging that the Smart meter installation move of the BJP-led Government has imposed financial burdens on the people of the State, especially the poorer section, the CPIM and Congress, have launched separate protests across the state.
The demonstrations highlight demands for the cancellation of smart meters, withdrawal of inflated electricity bills, reduction in power tariffs, and an end to frequent load-shedding, which has caused significant inconvenience to residents.
CPIM Protest in Udaipur
The CPIM Udaipur Divisional Committee organized a protest on Monday outside the Subdivision Electricity Office at the old motor stand in Udaipur, targeting the BJP government’s alleged double standards. Led by CPIM Divisional Secretary Dilip Datta, the rally saw participation from party workers and supporters. Speakers, including divisional committee members Pradeep Saha and Rajib Sen, criticized the BJP for opposing smart meters in West Bengal, where they accuse the Trinamool Congress of mismanagement, while simultaneously enforcing them in Tripura, burdening the poor with exorbitant electricity bills.
They argued that this discrepancy highlights BJP’s double standard and raises questions about the BJP’s sincerity, as the smart meters are causing harassment and financial strain for Tripura’s underprivileged sections.
The CPIM demanded the immediate scrapping of smart meters, reduction in electricity tariffs, reliable power supply, and an end to frequent load-shedding. They warned of legal action if their demands are not met. Following the protest, a five-member delegation led by Shubha Chakraborty submitted a memorandum to Kiranmoy Chakraborty, the senior manager of the electricity office, reiterating these demands.
Congress Protest in Kumarghat
Simultaneously, the Tripura Pradesh Congress took to the streets in various parts of Tripura, including Kumarghat in Unakoti district, where they staged a march and held a demonstration outside the municipal office. The agitators, led by State Congress Secretary Tarun Saha, former MLA Dwiba Chandra Hrankhwl, Pabiachhara Block Youth Congress president Sourab Chakraborty, and Block Congress president Asit Deb, among others, condemned the BJP government and the Power Minister’s role in pushing smart meters. They demanded the immediate discontinuation of smart meters, highlighting their adverse impact on the public.
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Both protests underscore growing public discontent with the BJP-led government’s policies, particularly the financial strain caused by smart meters and irregular power supply, as opposition parties vow to intensify their agitation to protect the interests of Tripura’s residents.
