TFP Bureau, Raipur; Dec 18, 2023: The Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee issued a press release strongly opposing the recent statement by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, indicating the discontinuation of the electricity bill subsidy scheme. Former Minister Umesh Patel condemned the move, asserting that ending the scheme amounts to oppression by the BJP government on the people of the state.
Patel emphasized that the electricity bill subsidy scheme has provided significant relief to the poor and middle-class citizens in managing their electricity expenses. Access to affordable electricity is considered a natural right for the state’s residents, as resources like coal, water, and land used for electricity production are all owned by the state. Therefore, ensuring affordable electricity for the people is essential.
The former government, under Patel’s reference, had implemented the electricity bill subsidy scheme for consumers using up to 400 units. This initiative, valued at Rs 4000 crore, benefited 44 lakh consumers in the state. The scheme translated to relief ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 900 in electricity bills for domestic consumers, resulting in substantial savings ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 45,000 since its implementation.
Umesh Patel pointed out the contradiction in the BJP government’s actions, considering Prime Minister Modi’s promise during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections to reduce inflation within 100 days. However, Patel highlighted that inflation during the nine and a half years of Modi’s rule has reached unprecedented levels, affecting the prices of essential commodities such as soap, oil, petrol, diesel, and cooking gas.
In the face of such economic challenges, Patel criticized the BJP government’s decision to discontinue the electricity bill subsidy, suggesting that it reflects an insensitivity to the people’s struggles with inflation. He asserted that the move indicates the BJP’s reluctance to provide relief to the citizens of Chhattisgarh.
Umesh Patel, former minister and MLA from Kharsia, urged the government to reconsider its decision and prioritize the welfare of the people in the state.
