The CPI (M) and the CPI asserted that they would take up militant struggles to mount pressure on the government to roll back its decision to hike power tariff as also the collection of huge amounts from consumers by way of fuel surcharge adjustment.
CPI (M) State secretary B.V. Raghavulu, his CPI counterpart K. Narayana, G. Diwakar of CPI (ML-New Democracy) and other leaders began an indefinite fast on Saturday in protest against the government’s decision to burden the consumers. Simultaneously, Telugu Desam and other parties disrupted proceedings of the Assembly in support demanding a debate on the ongoing power crisis.
Mr. Raghavulu wanted Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy to convene a Cabinet meeting to discuss the proposals submitted by the distribution companies to the Electricity Regulatory Commission and evolve measures to give relief to consumers. He expressed concern that the Chief Minister wanted to distance himself from the tariff hike issue in the name of ERC. Dr. Narayana said the indefinite fast was preceded by efforts to convince the government against burdening the people.
The Left participated in the hearings conducted by the ERC and addressed letters to the Chief Minister besides conducting agitations in a phased manner. But, the government did not respond. Both Communist leaders claimed that the Left wanted the Congress to implement its promises like nine-hour free power supply to farm sector and no hike in power tariff till 2014 incorporated in the 2009 election manifesto. “The Congress will be buried forever if it continues with its anti-people policies,” he said.
