SRINAGAR, Nov 19: Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone on Tuesday strongly criticized the National Conference (NC) government in Jammu and Kashmir over what he called a “steep hike” in electricity bills. Lone, the MLA from Handwara, claimed that power bills have increased by nearly 50%, accusing the government of creating an “electricity mess” and demanding immediate intervention.
“Numerous phone calls from villages report inflated electricity bills by 50%. Even I am confused – did they promise to reduce tariffs or raise them?” Lone questioned. He further accused the NC-led government of using “age-old trickery” by hiking tariffs and then offering waivers as a political ploy.
Lone explained that the government’s approach was deceptive, saying, “Imagine a household paying 100 in electricity fees. Instead of reducing it to Rs 50 as promised, they hike it to 200, waive 50, and leave the consumer paying 150 – still 50% more than before the elections. This isn’t relief; it’s deceit.”
Lone urged the Power Development Department to intervene immediately and halt what he called “arbitrary and unjustified” tariff hikes.
