MLA Langate accuses CM of betraying people over electricity meter issue

Srinagar, Jan 02: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Langate and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader, Sheikh Khurshid on Thursday accused Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of shirking responsibility after announcing that 200 units of electricity would be provided only after the installation of smart meters.
“This is a betrayal with the people,” Khurshid said, questioning whether the Chief Minister was aware of the absence of meters in many parts of the valley before the elections.
He criticised the decision to offer a 200-unit electricity waiver only to metered areas, calling it a “new drama” and a “deceptive move” by the government.
“Is the Chief Minister unaware of his responsibilities? If he cannot fulfil this promise, he must apologise publicly,” the AIP leader said.
The MLA clarified that while he is not opposed to the installation of meters, the process must be completed in a reasonable timeframe. “The installation should not take 2-3 years, and the government cannot blame the centre or other agencies for the delay,” he said. “It is the government’s responsibility to install meters, not the people’s.”
Sheikh urged the government to compensate non-metered areas with the monetary equivalent of a 200-unit waiver until the entire valley is metered. “This is not rocket science,” he said.
If the J&K government cannot persuade the Union government on this issue, it should issue a public apology and admit its inability to resolve the matter, Khurshid said. “Don’t put people in a dilemma,” he warned.
The MLA vowed to raise the issue both inside and outside the assembly, asserting, “If the government cannot fulfil its promises, it must come forward and apologise publicly.”