Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA and former minister Somireddy Chandra Mohan Reddy criticized former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of increasing electricity charges ten times during his tenure. He called the YSR Congress Party’s (YSRCP) recent protests against electricity hikes a “shameful” act.
YSRCP leaders organized protests across Andhra Pradesh on Friday, claiming “steep hikes” in electricity charges. Reddy, however, argued that by the time the YSRCP government steps down, the state would face a power deficit of 22.5 million units.
“Jagan has increased electricity charges ten times in these five years. By the time the YSRCP government steps down, it will have left a power deficit of 22.5 million units. Jagan has pushed the state into ruin through corruption and bribery. He approved electricity-related decisions without cabinet approval,” said Somireddy Chandra Mohan Reddy.
He further criticized the YSRCP for implementing smart meters for agriculture, despite nationwide opposition. “While the entire country opposed the installation of smart meters for agriculture, the YSRCP implemented them in Andhra Pradesh. After committing so many irregularities in the power sector, staging a protest related to electricity is shameful,” he added.
Reddy also praised the current TDP government, led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, for working to reduce the financial burden of electricity charges on the public. “Chandrababu is working towards reducing future electricity burdens on the public. A Crime Investigation Department (CID) investigation should be conducted into the Aurobindo coal supply issue,” said Reddy.
