The Odisha Congress staged a protest against what they deemed as the ‘illegal’ collection of Additional Security Deposit (ASD) and called for free electricity for farmers and households. Led by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das, the demonstrators gathered outside TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited’s (TPCODL) office in Bhubaneswar. They voiced opposition to the installation of new electricity meters, alleging that it was a tactic to burden consumers with higher power tariffs.
Senior leaders, including Srikant Jena and MLA Pabitrananda Sahu, joined the protest against the state government’s actions. Congress leader Srikant Jena criticized the government, warning that ordinary households, small businesses, and farmers would face significant challenges under the new meter system and revised billing slabs. He expressed concerns that the revised tariff policy would lead to a sharp increase in electricity bills for domestic and commercial users.
The Congress leaders demanded the cessation of additional security deposits, provision of free power for farmers, 300 units of free electricity for households, and the withdrawal of smart meters. They also warned of a statewide agitation, including effigy burning and gherao of the Chief Minister’s residence and offices if their demands were not met. Jena emphasized the need for transparency in the system, highlighting that the new consumption slabs could result in higher billing even for moderate usage. He urged people from rural and urban areas to join the movement against what he described as an unsustainable electricity policy.
