Protests Surge in Puducherry Over Power Tariff Hike and Privatization Plans

The INDIA bloc has announced a dawn-to-dusk bandh in Puducherry on September 18 to oppose the hike in power tariffs and the introduction of pre-paid meters. They are also protesting the territorial government’s decision to privatize power distribution, fearing increased tariffs and deprivation of free power for farmers.

The INDIA bloc has declared a dawn-to-dusk bandh in Puducherry on September 18 to denounce the recent hike in power tariffs and the implementation of pre-paid meters for power supply. The protest also aims to oppose the territorial government's plan to privatize power distribution.

President of the Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee, V. Vaithilingam, who is also a Lok Sabha member from Puducherry, released a statement on Monday condemning the AINRC-BJP coalition ministry's decision to privatize power distribution in the region.

Leaders and cadres from the DMK, communist parties, VCK, and other affiliates of the INDIA bloc will hold a rally on Tuesday to seek public support. The opposition fears that privatization will lead to higher tariffs, loss of free power for farmers, and potential misuse of the Electricity Department's assets.

(With inputs from agencies.)