Chhattisgarh’s Electricity Hike Sparks Political Row

A political debate has ignited in Chhattisgarh following an increase in electricity rates. The Congress party has initiated a series of protests regarding the issue, while Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has asserted that the hike will not affect the poor and farmers. The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s efforts to support the poor through the ‘Half Electricity Scheme’. Domestic consumers will see a minor increase of 10 to 20 paise per unit. Farmers will experience a 50 paise per unit increase, yet the government is offering 3000 free electricity units to consumers with up to 3 HP connections, with the government covering the expense. The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) approved an average 1.89% increase in electricity tariffs for the financial year 2025-26. The Congress is criticizing the decision, stating it is detrimental to the public and will impose an added financial burden on the underprivileged. The situation has become a central issue in the political arena, with the government defending the hike as controlled and beneficial, while the opposition condemns it as an additional financial strain on the populace.