A growing discord has erupted between the ruling and opposition parties in the state over the implementation of smart prepaid electricity meters. The opposition continues to attack the government, while officials work to defend their actions. In this context, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav challenged the government once again on Sunday.
Tejashwi Yadav took to Instagram to accuse the Nitish-BJP government of oppressing the people of Bihar by installing smart meters in a state with the lowest per capita income in the country. He claimed the government is doubling electricity rates and selling the most expensive power, causing distress among Biharis who suffer from government exploitation in the name of smart meters.
He questioned why nearly 100 percent of consumers in Bihar feel that their electricity bills have doubled or increased by one and a half times since the installation of smart meters. Complaints about skyrocketing bills are flooding in from across the state, and he demanded an explanation from the government.
Furthermore, he pointed out that if even a minor glitch in the smart meters results in a loss of ₹100 per household, then the Nitish government is illegally siphoning off thousands of crores from consumers every month.
Yadav emphasized that the smart meter issue impacts every household and that voices of dissent are rising against it statewide. He called for an immediate end to the collusion among power companies, officials, and ruling leaders regarding smart meters.
Finally, he questioned the government’s motives, asking if the installation of smart meters is not mandated by the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission or the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, then for whose benefit is the government pursuing this initiative?