Kerala Congress slams Pinarayi Vijayan government for alleged role in approving steep 16 paise electricity tariff hike, paving the way for Adani Power’s profit gains

The Kerala government has announced a 16-paise-per-unit increase in electricity tariffs for the 2024-25 financial year, citing the financial crisis of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). The opposition Congress party has strongly criticized the decision, accusing the government of exploiting consumers to benefit private power companies, such as the Adani Group. Congress leaders point out that the government had withdrawn from a long-term agreement to purchase electricity at a lower rate and instead opted to buy power from private companies at a higher rate. The government defends the hike, saying it is necessary to address KSEB’s financial challenges. The Congress party has condemned the tariff hike, calling it “arrogant exploitation” and plans to stage protests.