Tensions flared over the smart meter and rising power bill issue as AAP supporters staged a morcha to Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar’s residence at Bandora-Nageshi, demanding the scrapping of smart meters and protesting against soaring electricity bills. Heavy police deployment was seen at Nageshi junction to prevent protesters from entering Bandora.
BJP Goa President Damu Naik stated that the Power Department has fallen short in creating awareness about penalties related to excess load usage, which led to the Chief Minister’s intervention. He also said the issue was discussed in a party meeting.
Reacting sharply, Minister Sudin Dhavalikar said he is well aware of the condition of the poor and criticised NGOs and AAP for their remarks. He added that the matter should have been discussed in the Cabinet rather than publicly. Dhavalikar further stated that every consumer will eventually have to undergo a load increase, if not immediately then in the future.
