BJP Jamshedpur Protests Against Electricity Price Hike; Demands Rollback

Jamshedpur: Hundreds of BJP workers staged a massive protest at the Jamshedpur Electricity Supply Area (JBVNL) General Manager’s office in Kadma on Friday. The protest targeted the state government over the recent hike in electricity tariffs, alleged irregular billing through smart meters, and frequent power outages.

Under the banner of BJP Jamshedpur Mahanagar, activists chanted slogans against the Hemant Soren-led government and the electricity department, slamming what they called “rampant corruption” and a “collapsing power infrastructure.” Following the demonstration, the party submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister, demanding an immediate withdrawal of the tariff hike.

Promises Labelled as “Deception”

The memorandum highlighted that the new power rates, effective April 1, impose an unfair financial burden on the public. BJP leaders claimed the government’s promise of 200 units of free electricity has proven to be a “mirage.” They criticized the increase of 50 paise per unit for rural areas and 55 paise per unit for urban domestic consumers as unjust.

Addressing the crowd, former District President Devendra Singh said, “This government has failed. After dreaming of free electricity, they are now imposing expensive bills on the public. The electricity department has become a hub of corruption, using smart meters to extort arbitrary amounts from consumers.”

Key Demands of the BJP:

• Tariff Rollback: Immediate withdrawal of the increased electricity rates.
• Uninterrupted Supply: Ensure 24-hour seamless power supply across the district.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Replace burnt transformers instantly and stop unnecessary load shedding.
• Transparent Billing: End “arbitrary recovery” and inflated bills issued in the name of smart meters.

State Executive Member Mithilesh Singh Yadav added that the government is increasing rates without improving the quality of service. Meanwhile, Neeraj Singh, State Coordinator of the Business Cell, warned that the hike is adversely affecting local businesses and industries.

District Vice President Sanjeev Singh, who led the protest, accused the government of being “anti-poor” and “anti-farmer,” stating that the public is outraged by the failure of various poll promises, including unemployment allowances and cheaper gas cylinders.

Prominent leaders present at the protest included Sudhanshu Ojha, Binod Singh, Jata Shankar Pandey, Zila Parishad member Kusum Purty, and several Mandal presidents. The party warned that if the government does not reverse its “anti-people” decisions, the BJP will escalate the movement from the streets to the Assembly.