YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has sharply criticized Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, accusing the coalition government of burdening the public with a steep electricity rate hike as a “Diwali gift.” Jagan highlighted that introducing Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustment (FPPCA) charges contradicts Naidu’s pre-election promise to freeze and even reduce power tariffs by 30%.
Jagan pointed out that this hike has added ₹6,073 crore to consumer bills, questioning Naidu’s commitment to his promises. “Chandrababu, you vowed no increases. Why impose such a massive burden without hearing the people’s concerns?” he questioned. Jagan also criticized the previous TDP government’s handling of the power sector, which he claims left DISCOMs in debt due to costly power agreements.
Data showing a 41.04% increase in electricity bills for 76 units from ₹140.10 in 2015-16 to ₹197.60 in 2018-19 under Naidu’s administration Jagan warned of repeating past mistakes. He concluded that the YSRCP would oppose this rate hike and demanded an immediate reversal of the decision to relieve consumers of this financial load.
This strong response from the YSRCP highlights growing concerns about the government’s accountability to its promises on electricity tariffs in Andhra Pradesh.
