Srinagar: J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, today voiced serious concerns over a steep hike in electricity bills across villages, citing an increase of nearly 50%.
In a statement issued to Kashmir Dot Com, Lone criticized the ruling party for creating an “electricity mess” and demanded immediate intervention.
“Phone calls from various villages reveal electricity bills inflated by 50%. Even I am confused—did they promise to decrease electricity tariffs or increase them?” he questioned.
Lone accused the NC-led government of employing “age-old trickery” by raising tariffs only to later offer waivers as a political gimmick.
“Imagine a household paying ₹100 in electricity fees. Instead of reducing it to ₹50 as promised, they hike it to ₹200, then waive ₹50, leaving the consumer paying ₹150—still 50% more than before the elections. This isn’t relief; it’s deceit. Trust me, if they do it, I will not be surprised,” he said.
Calling on the Power Development Department to act immediately, Lone urged them to stop what he described as “arbitrary and unjustified” tariff hikes. (KDC)