Shimla: BJP state spokesperson Sandeepani Bhardwaj on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, alleging that the party, which had promised 300 units of free electricity during the elections, is now preparing to increase power tariffs and impose an additional financial burden on the public.
Addressing the issue, Bhardwaj said that the move clearly exposes the gap between the Congress party’s promises and its actions. According to reports, electricity tariffs in the state may increase by around ₹1 per unit, which would directly impact lakhs of power consumers across Himachal Pradesh.
He claimed that if the proposed hike is implemented, it could impose an additional financial burden of nearly ₹1,200 crore annually on the people of the state.
Bhardwaj further stated that the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board has reportedly sought around ₹8,593 crore from the regulatory commission for the upcoming financial year, which is significantly higher than the previous year. “This indicates that the government is planning to shift the burden of its financial mismanagement and flawed policies directly onto the public,” he alleged.
The BJP spokesperson also criticized the government’s new power management policies, saying that electricity generated by public sector undertakings was earlier directly supplied to the electricity board, providing relief to consumers. However, due to changes introduced by the government, the board may now be forced to purchase power from the open market at higher rates.
Bhardwaj accused the Congress of misleading voters during the elections by promising ten guarantees, including free electricity. “Soon after coming to power, the government appears to have forgotten its manifesto and guarantees. Instead of providing relief, it is increasing the financial burden on the public,” he said.
He warned that the consequences of the government’s policies would be borne by the middle class, farmers, small traders, and ordinary consumers. Bhardwaj demanded that the government clarify what happened to the promise of 300 units of free electricity and explain the reasons behind the proposed tariff hike.
He also cautioned that if the state government proceeds with increasing electricity tariffs, the BJP will strongly oppose the move both on the streets and in the Assembly.
