Shimla , May 23
The BJP on Saturday launched a strong attack on the Himachal Pradesh government over rising electricity bills, accusing the Congress-led administration of burdening consumers despite its promise of providing 300 units of free electricity.
Addressing a press conference in Shimla, BJP State Media Co-convener Karan Nanda alleged that the Sukhu government’s policies were making Himachal Pradesh one of the most expensive states in the country. He said that while the previous BJP government had provided 125 units of free electricity, the Congress government had failed to fulfill its promise of 300 units of free power.
Nanda claimed that after the withdrawal of subsidies, consumers are now being charged ₹5.44 per unit for electricity consumption between 0 and 125 units, with the minimum bill amount reaching nearly ₹750. He also alleged that the government had increased the electricity duty on industries from 11 percent to 37.5 percent in September 2023 and later imposed an additional cess of ₹1 per unit on commercial consumers in 2026.
He further alleged that subsidies for households with more than two electricity meters had been discontinued, affecting tenants, students, and laborers. The BJP demanded the immediate rollback of the power tariff increase and the restoration of electricity subsidies.
The BJP leader also accused the state government of violating the Model Code of Conduct by convening a cabinet meeting during its enforcement ahead of panchayat elections.
According to Nanda, major announcements made during the cabinet meeting could influence the election process. He urged the State Election Commission to take immediate cognizance of the matter and initiate appropriate action against the government.
