JAMMU, Aug 25: Senior BJP leader and former Minister Bali Bhagat launched a blistering attack on the Omar Abdullah-led government over the 6.83 per cent electricity tariff hike, accusing it of betraying the people after securing votes with promises of relief and then burdening households with higher power bills.
Bhagat said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s reported statement that “I never said power tariffs would not increase” was nothing more than a desperate attempt to wriggle out of political accountability.
“This is not an answer to the people; it is an excuse. You went to the people promising 200 units of free electricity, sought their votes in the name of relief and empowerment, and after coming to power you increased the tariff. Now, instead of explaining the betrayal, you are hiding behind technicalities and saying you never promised that tariffs would not rise. The people remember your manifesto even if you choose to forget it,” Bhagat said.
He said the government had delivered a “tariff shock instead of promised relief” to families already crushed under inflation, unemployment and rising household expenses.
“The people expected 200 free units; they are being handed higher bills. This is the cruelest irony of this government. You promised to reduce the burden on households and have instead increased it. You promised relief and delivered pain. You promised change and delivered another financial blow to the common man,” he said.
Bhagat accused Omar Abdullah and his ministers of deliberately distancing themselves from decisions that hurt the public while claiming credit for anything politically beneficial.
“When there is something to take credit for, the government stands in the front row. But when an anti-people decision comes, they suddenly blame regulators, departments and files. Enough of this political hide-and-seek. Omar Abdullah is the Chief Minister. His government is in power. He cannot wash his hands of a decision that directly hits every household,” Bhagat said.
Launching a direct attack on the government’s priorities, Bhagat said the administration should have been working to reduce electricity costs and clear the burden of outstanding dues, rather than making power more expensive.
“Where is the promised power amnesty? Thousands of poor families, farmers, small traders and struggling consumers are trapped under accumulated electricity dues. Instead of giving them a lifeline, the government has chosen to tighten the noose. This is not compassionate governance; it is insensitive and anti-people policymaking,” he said.
Bhagat said the tariff hike would have a cascading impact on the economy, hitting daily wagers, pensioners, farmers, border residents, shopkeepers, small entrepreneurs and middle-class households the hardest.
“Every additional rupee on electricity ultimately comes out of the pocket of the common citizen. Shops will face higher operating costs, small businesses will suffer, and consumers will eventually pay more for goods and services. At a time when people need economic support, this government is piling another burden onto their shoulders,” he said.
The BJP leader reminded the Chief Minister that election manifestos are commitments to the electorate, not promotional brochures to be discarded after polling day.
“Do not treat the people’s memory as short. They know what was promised. They know what was delivered. They voted for 200 units of free power, not 6.83 per cent higher tariffs. They voted for relief, not a fresh electricity shock,” Bhagat said.
He demanded the immediate rollback of the tariff hike, implementation of the promised 200 units of free electricity, and a comprehensive power amnesty for deserving consumers struggling with accumulated dues.
“Omar Abdullah must stop giving excuses and start giving answers. The people did not elect a government to hear explanations about why their bills are rising. They elected a government to make their lives easier. If you cannot fulfil your promises, at least have the courage to admit your failure instead of shifting the blame,” Bhagat said.
In a sharp concluding warning, Bhagat said the government should not mistake the public’s patience for acceptance.
“You cannot promise relief, deliver pain and then lecture the people on what you technically did or did not say. The people are watching every bill, every broken promise and every excuse. The day of accountability will come, and no amount of political wordplay will save this government from answering to the people,” he added.