PMK Protests 'Electricity Terrorism' as Tamil Nadu Faces Tariff Hike

PMK, led by Anbumani Ramadoss, protested against DMK's electricity tariff hike, labeling it 'electricity terrorism'. Other political parties, including DMDK and AIADMK, have also voiced their concerns. TANGEDCO cited financial losses as the reason for the increase, sparking widespread criticism.

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), led by President Anbumani Ramadoss, organized a protest on Friday against the Tamil Nadu government's recent hike in electricity tariffs, describing the move as 'electricity terrorism'. The PMK leaders vehemently criticized the decision, condemning the DMK government.

During the protest, PMK President and Rajya Sabha MP Anbumani Ramadoss remarked, 'After the Vikravandi by-poll, they announced a tariff hike effective from July 1. The DMK government has raised the electricity tariff by 33.7 percent multiple times. This is unprecedented in Tamil Nadu's history and constitutes 'electricity terrorism' against the people. In 23 months, the tariff has increased by 33.7 percent.' He also accused the ruling party of corruption and poor administration, citing that the electricity board's losses were due to mismanagement.

On Thursday, Desiya Murpoku Dravidar Kazhagam (DMDK) announced a state-wide protest on July 25 against the government's decisions, pointing to the electricity tariff hike, the lack of essential items in the public distribution system, and Karnataka's refusal to comply with the Cauvery water management directives.

AIADMK leader Sellur Raju criticized the DMK government for burdening the public with the tariff hike, calling it a 'gift' to DMK voters from the last parliamentary election. Earlier, the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) justified the hike, citing massive financial losses. TANGEDCO reported that its financial losses jumped from Rs 18,954 crore in 2011-12 to Rs 94,312 crore in the last decade, with loans tripling to Rs 1,59,823 crore by 2021-22.

Opposition leaders, including AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami and BJP State President Annamalai, have strongly condemned the DMK-led state government for the steep power tariff hike, stirring widespread discontent among the populace.

(With inputs from agencies.)