Oppn slams tariff hike, mocks NC Govt’s 200 free units promise

SRINAGAR, Aug 22: Opposition leaders and trade bodies on Saturday criticised the reported 6.83 per cent hike in electricity tariffs in Jammu and Kashmir, questioning the National Conference-led government over its unfulfilled electoral promise of providing 200 units of free electricity to households.

Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma termed the hike a “betrayal”, saying the NC had come to power promising 200 free units but consumers were instead facing higher electricity charges.

Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone described the hike as a “shock” for consumers and said nearly two years after the 2024 Assembly elections, the promised benefit had not reached households. He also alleged that increased load in non-metered areas was contributing to higher monthly bills.

NC MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi also criticised the government, saying the tariff increase contradicted promises made during the election campaign. PDP MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Parra questioned the government over its commitments on free electricity, gas and ration, saying the hike came amid high unemployment, inflation and economic pressures.

Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari also opposed the increase, saying it would further burden people already facing financial difficulties.

The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) warned that the tariff hike could have wider economic repercussions, particularly for traders and businesses already dealing with rising operational costs.

The opposition leaders demanded that the government explain the delay in implementing its 200-unit free electricity promise and address the growing burden on consumers.