A local outfit, Odisha Bidyut Upabhokta Mahasangha, organized a protest in Bhubaneswar’s Lower PMG, opposing the policies of Tata Power (TPCODL). The demonstrators sought to gherao the Legislative Assembly to express their concerns over the potential increase in electricity tariffs, which they deem exploitative. The agitation is also against the proposed installation of prepaid smart meters and the hike in power tariffs. The organization demands that the government withdraw its plan to introduce pre-paid smart meters and supply free electricity to the agricultural sector.
The protest gained support from various political parties, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Congress, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist). They condemned Tata Power’s alleged monopolistic attitude and the planned tariff hike, citing it as against the interests of consumers. BJD leader and BMC Mayor Sulochana Das criticized the government’s failure to provide free electricity to people and farmers, as promised in its manifesto.
The protest also highlighted the issue of power cuts in Odisha, despite being a power surplus state. The demonstrators alleged that Tata Power’s entry into the state had failed to provide better services and uninterrupted power supply at a lower rate. The outfit threatened to intensify their movement if the government does not address their concerns. Tata Power has not yet responded to these allegations. The protest underscores the ongoing debate over the management of electricity resources in Odisha and the concerns of consumers regarding the direction of power distribution in the state.