AIADMK and BJP Criticize Tamil Nadu Government Over Power Tariff Hike

Tamil Nadu's main opposition parties, AIADMK and BJP, have condemned the state government's recent power tariff hike, attributing it to the ruling DMK's administrative inefficiency. AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami and BJP state president K Annamalai called for an immediate rollback, alleging that the DMK's governance is burdening the public.

The main opposition parties in Tamil Nadu, AIADMK and BJP, have heavily criticized the state government for the recent power tariff hike announced on July 15. They argue that the increase reflects the DMK's administrative inefficiency and should not burden the people of Tamil Nadu.

Edappadi K Palaniswami, AIADMK general secretary and Leader of the Opposition, blamed the rise in tariffs on the DMK's arrogance after their sweeping victory in the April 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He noted that such revisions are typical under DMK rule, along with power cuts.

Palaniswami highlighted this as the third tariff increase since the DMK took power in 2021, along with hikes in property tax, water tax, and milk prices. He called for an immediate rollback and accused the government of failing to maintain its promise to switch to monthly power consumption calculations.

Joining the chorus, BJP state president K Annamalai accused the government of prioritizing power purchases over generation initiatives. He argued that inefficiencies, including the stalled smart meter project, led to the tariff rise. Annamalai demanded a rollback and emphasized the need to focus on boosting electricity generation, including solar power.

TANGEDCO, the state-run discom, stated that the tariff revision was necessary to offset mounting financial losses.

(With inputs from agencies.)