Agartala, June 9: Mounting public dissatisfaction over electricity services, recent tariff hikes and allegations of corruption in the power sector took centre stage on Monday as the Sadar District Congress Committee staged a protest outside the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) office in Agartala.
Congress leaders accused the state government of burdening consumers through the introduction of smart meters while failing to ensure reliable electricity supply. Protesters demanded the rollback of increased power tariffs, improved and uninterrupted electricity services, and greater transparency in the functioning of the power department. They also called for an impartial investigation into alleged financial irregularities within the sector.
Addressing the gathering, Congress spokesperson Prabir Chakraborty alleged that the government had failed to safeguard public interests and cited recurring power outages across the state. He claimed that in some instances, hospitals were forced to conduct emergency medical procedures under candlelight due to prolonged disruptions in electricity supply.
Chakraborty further criticized the state government over a seven per cent power tariff hike, alleging that it was implemented during last year’s flood situation without adequate public consultation. He also accused private agencies engaged in electricity billing of siphoning off crores of rupees through irregular practices.
Linking the power sector’s challenges to broader economic concerns, the Congress leader claimed that Tripura’s public debt has more than doubled since 2018. Referring to findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), he alleged that irregularities had surfaced in several government departments and welfare schemes.
“The condition of the power corporation reflects the failure of the government’s claims of good governance,” Chakraborty said during the demonstration.
The protest also touched upon national issues, with party leaders criticizing the Centre’s policies on privatization, rising fuel prices and increasing national debt. They argued that common citizens are bearing the financial burden while large corporate interests continue to benefit.
The demonstration was presided over by Sadar District Congress Committee president Tanmoy Roy and witnessed participation from youth, women, OBC, SC and labour wings of the party. Despite sharp criticism of the government, the protest remained peaceful and concluded with calls for accountability, transparency and reforms in Tripura’s power sector.
