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TDPs Power Tariff Plan Criticized
Jagan Slams TDP for Power Tariff
Jagan Criticizes Proposed Power Tariff Hike
Amaravati: Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the President of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, strongly criticized the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led coalition government on Sunday for its “proposed power tariff hike.” Jagan accused the TDP, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, of planning to burden the state’s citizens with “heavy power tariff hikes” despite promises made to voters during the elections. He labeled the proposed changes as evidence of TDP’s “disregard for public welfare” and a betrayal of its assurances for affordable living conditions.
Broken Promises and Financial Burden
Jagan alleged that the TDP government, which had initially promised stable or reduced power tariffs, has now burdened the public with an additional cost of Rs 6,072.86 crores. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Jagan urged the citizens of Andhra Pradesh to recognize the TDP’s “broken promises and mismanagement” of the power sector. He highlighted that the increased tariffs would lead to greater financial strain on households, making it harder for families to manage their monthly expenses.
Rising Electricity Costs During TDP’s Tenure
Jagan Mohan Reddy drew attention to the TDP’s track record from 2014 to 2019, during which he claimed that power tariffs were repeatedly increased, directly affecting the cost of living for people across Andhra Pradesh. To support his arguments, he provided specific examples illustrating the rise in electricity costs during Chandrababu Naidu’s administration.
For instance, Jagan noted that a 76-unit electricity bill, which cost Rs 140.10 in 2015-16, had surged to Rs 197.60 by 2018-19—a rise of 41.04 percent. He also pointed out similar increases in other usage categories, such as a 39.57 percent increase for a 78-unit bill and a 38.21 percent rise for an 80-unit bill. According to Jagan, these hikes serve as a reminder of the “TDP’s failure to support affordable living for the people.”
Impact of Costly Power Purchase Agreements
The YSRCP leader criticized Naidu’s administration for entering into “costly power purchase agreements (PPAs)” for approximately 8,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity. Jagan claimed that these high-cost agreements have placed an additional annual burden of Rs 3,500 crores on state-run power corporations, leading to long-term financial challenges. He emphasized that these agreements were not only expensive but also contributed significantly to the financial strain on the state’s energy sector. As a result, the cumulative losses in the power sector rose from Rs 6,625 crores in 2014 to a staggering Rs 28,715 crores by 2019.
Mounting Debt and Liabilities in the Power Sector
Jagan further highlighted that the TDP’s handling of the power sector had resulted in a substantial increase in debt and liabilities for state-owned power corporations. He pointed out that the financial burden on these corporations grew from Rs 29,552 crores in 2014 to Rs 86,215 crores by 2019. According to Jagan, this increase in debt has placed a significant strain on the state’s energy infrastructure, making it difficult for the sector to recover. He asserted that these decisions have left a “lasting burden” on Andhra Pradesh, affecting not only the present but also the future stability of the power sector.
Jagan’s Appeal to the Public
The YSR Congress Party President called on the people of Andhra Pradesh to stay vigilant and informed about the TDP’s governance record, especially concerning the power sector. He urged citizens to remember the “increased tariffs and financial strain” that characterized the previous TDP government’s tenure. By highlighting these issues, Jagan aims to rally public opinion against the proposed power tariff hikes and emphasize the importance of accountability in governance.
A Call for Transparency and Public Welfare
Jagan Mohan Reddy’s criticism of the TDP is centered on the belief that the government’s actions should prioritize public welfare and transparency. He contended that the proposed power tariff hikes undermine the interests of ordinary citizens, especially those who rely on affordable electricity to manage their household budgets. By emphasizing the need for fair and responsible governance, Jagan reiterated the YSRCP’s commitment to ensuring that the people of Andhra Pradesh are not burdened with unnecessary costs and that their well-being remains a priority.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on statements and information provided by political leaders and is intended for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this content represent the perspectives of YSRCP President Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and are not an endorsement or critique of any political party. Readers are encouraged to seek additional information and consider multiple viewpoints when forming their opinions.
