Karnataka Power Tariff Hike From April 1 Triggers Political Row, BJP Says 'Only Achievement Is Inflation'

The BJP has strongly opposed the hike blaming the Congress for rising inflation and claiming that the government is indifferent to the financial struggles of common citizens.

Karnataka Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil defended the decision, arguing that it would not impact 85% of consumers.

Source : ABPLIVE AI

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has approved a 36 paise per unit increase in electricity tariffs, effective from April 1. This decision has sparked a fierce political battle between the ruling Congress government and the opposition BJP, with both sides accusing each other of mishandling the state’s economic challenges.

On Wednesday, Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) permitted energy supply companies (ESCOMs) to collect the government's share of pension and gratuity (P&G) contributions from consumers, as per a report on The New Indian Express.

The BJP has strongly opposed the hike, blaming the Congress for rising inflation and claiming that the government is indifferent to the financial struggles of common citizens. BJP State President BY Vijayendra launched a scathing attack, accusing the Congress of failing to provide relief to the people. "Ever since this government came to power, its only achievement has been inflation. This is the only ‘guarantee’ they have delivered," he said, reported IANS.

He further accused the Congress of engaging in "appeasement politics" rather than focusing on economic relief. 

Congress Defends Tariff Hike

Responding to the criticism, Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil defended the decision, arguing that it would not impact 85% of consumers. Under the Gruha Jyothi scheme, households consuming up to 200 units of electricity per month receive free power.

Patil dismissed the BJP’s accusations, stating that the opposition was misrepresenting facts. More than 85 per cent of consumers fall under the free power scheme, yet they are speaking on behalf of the rich who own industries. Additionally, the government does not set electricity rates an independent agency is responsible for that. It is incorrect to say that power prices have increased due to the free power scheme," he stated.

Labour Minister Santosh Lad echoed similar sentiments, reiterating that KERC’s decision was based on the need for financial stability in the power sector. "The majority of households under the free electricity scheme will not be affected by this increase," he said.