Protests continue in Odisha over power tariff hike

Bhubaneswar, March 27 (IANS) Intensifying their protest against the power tariff hike in the state, the Odisha unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday staged a dharna (sit-in) in front of Raj Bhavan here.

Hundreds of BJP leaders and workers staged a demonstration and submitted a memorandum to Governor S.C. Jamir, demanding roll-back of the hike in power tariff rates.

"The Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) decision to hike power tariff is anti-people and against the interest of the poor farmers. The decision should be withdrawn for the benefit of people," senior BJP leader Bhrugu Buxipatra said.

Meanwhile, the Congress has also decided to organise demonstrations at the district headquarters on March 30 to press for the rollback of the hike.

"The decision of OERC would put extra burden on the common people. We have been protesting the decision in the assembly and have also submitted a memorandum to the governor seeking his intervention," said Odisha Pradesh Congress president Prasad Harichandan.

The Odisha Power Consumers' Federation has also called for a state-wide bandh on March 31 to protest the hike.

Meanwhile, the state assembly witnessed chaotic scenes for the third consecutive day over the hike in power tariff. Opposition members protested the decision and created pandemonium, forcing the speaker to adjourn the house till Monday.