Former Minister Umesh Patel vehemently opposed the recent statement made by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma regarding the discontinuation of the electricity bill relief scheme. Patel labeled the decision to halt the scheme as an oppressive move by the BJP government against the citizens of the state.
Patel emphasized that the electricity bill relief scheme has been instrumental in providing significant respite to the impoverished and middle-class citizens in managing their electricity expenses. He asserted that affordable electricity is a fundamental right of the state’s populace, given that resources like coal, water, and land for power generation are indigenous to the region. Thus, citizens ought to receive affordable electricity.
Highlighting the scheme’s impact, Patel underscored that around 44 lakh consumers benefited from this initiative, amounting to an estimated value of Rs 4000 crore. The scheme, applicable to domestic consumers using up to 400 units, facilitated reductions ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 900 per bill. Patel emphasized that citizens have collectively saved substantial amounts, ranging from Rs 20,000 to 45,000, since the scheme’s inception, offering crucial relief amid escalating inflation.
Furthermore, Patel criticized the BJP government’s policies, referring to Prime Minister Modi’s unfulfilled promise during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections to alleviate inflation within 100 days. Patel highlighted that during the tenure of the nine and a half-year rule, the country’s inflation has reached unprecedented levels, severely impacting essential commodities like soap, oil, petrol, diesel, and cooking gas.
Expressing dismay, Patel criticized the decision to cease the electricity relief scheme, portraying it as an act of injustice toward the public. He alleged that the BJP government is reluctant to alleviate the public’s burden amidst soaring inflation, signaling a disregard for the citizens’ well-being.
