New Delhi: Kumari Selja, General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee and MP from Sirsa, accused the Haryana BJP government of exploiting consumers under the guise of rising electricity bills. She criticized the state government for failing to establish a single power plant during its tenure while older plants are shutting down. Instead of increasing power production, the government is allegedly purchasing expensive electricity from Adani plants, further burdening consumers. Selja warned that this exploitation will result in voters delivering a bigger blow to the BJP in the upcoming assembly elections.Selja sparks over arbitrary hikesIn a statement to the media, Selja highlighted the arbitrary hikes in Fuel Surcharge Adjustment (FSA) and other charges, making electricity more expensive for consumers. Not only are the consumers grappling with soaring rates, but incorrect electricity bills have become a persistent issue, forcing people to pay bribes to correct them, she said. She also criticized the governments treatment of farmers, claiming that tube well connections are delayed for years and that farmers are treated as thieves. Frequent power cuts, both in rural and urban areas, further contradict the governments claim of no electricity shortage.Selja attributed the power crisis to poor planning by the government, leading to significant losses for traders and industries due to expensive electricity and power cuts. This is driving industries away from the state, which in turn is contributing to rising unemployment. She also questioned the governments neglect of the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant, which was initiated by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Had the plant been operational on time, Haryana could have been selling electricity rather than purchasing it.
