Lone slams NC’s ‘trickery’ over electricity bill hikes, demands action

Srinagar, Nov 19: People’s Conference (PC) president and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone on Tuesday criticised the recent hike in electricity bills across villages, alleging that the increase is as high as 50 percent. He accused the National Conference (NC)-led government of employing “political trickery” by raising electricity tariffs only to later offer minimal waivers as a deceptive form of relief.
In a statement, Lone expressed his deep concern over the “electricity mess” created by the ruling party, which he claimed is burdening consumers with inflated bills. “I’ve received numerous phone calls from villagers reporting a steep 50% hike in their electricity bills. Even I am confused—did they promise to reduce tariffs or increase them?” he said.
Sajad targeted the NC for what he described as an “age-old trickery” tactic. He said the government appears to be hiking electricity rates first and then offering small waivers to present an illusion of relief. “Imagine a household paying Rs 100 in electricity fees. Instead of reducing it to Rs 50 as promised, they hike it to Rs 200, then offer a Rs 50 waiver, leaving the consumer still paying Rs 150—50% more than before the elections. This isn’t relief; it’s deceit. Trust me, if they do it, I will not be surprised,” he asserted.
The PC chief called on the Power Development Department (PDD) to act immediately to reverse the “arbitrary and unjustified” tariff hikes. “The department must address the concerns of the people and halt the imposition of increased charges that only add to the financial burdens of ordinary families,” he said.