Opposition Congress and BJP criticised the power tariff hike, saying it would affect the common people and farmers. leader of Opposition in the Assembly and Congress leader Narasingha Mishra blamed the Government for the hike and said, "The increase in the power tariff for the farming sector further proves the Government's lack of interest in development of farmers."
PCC president Prasad Harichandan demanded an immediate rollback of the tariff hike and warned to resort to State-wide agitation if the Government fails to act. Coming down heavily on the Government, senior BJP leader and MlA Pradip Purohit also demanded an immediate rollback of the tariff hike as it would hit both domestic consumers and farmers.
"During the demand discussion of the Energy Department on Monday, Energy Minister Pranab Prakash Das had assured the House that electricity would be provided to common people and farmers at an affordable price. Unfortunately, a day after his announcement in the Assembly, power tariff has been hiked," the BJP leader pointed out.
Congress Chief Whip in the Assembly Tara Prasad Bahinipati also slammed the Government, terming the hike as anti-people. Energy Minister Das, however, argued that the hike amount is so less that it would not affect common people. "An increase by 20 paise on domestic use will hardly hit the consumers," said he.