Congress Launches Statewide Agitation Against Costly Power and Smart Meters in Chhattisgarh
Bilaspur, August 1, 2026: The Chhattisgarh Congress has announced a phased statewide agitation against increased electricity tariffs, rising power bills and the installation of smart electricity meters. As part of the campaign, Congress workers will begin visiting households across the state from August 2 to collect complaints from consumers and assist them in filling grievance forms.
The announcement was made at a joint press conference held at the Congress office in Tilak Nagar, Bilaspur, by District Congress Committee (City) President Siddhanshu Mishra and District Congress Committee (Rural) President Mahendra Gangotri.
The leaders alleged that the BJP-led state government has burdened consumers with higher electricity charges instead of providing relief. They claimed that the introduction of smart meters has led to complaints of excessive billing, lack of transparency and financial hardship for consumers.
According to the Congress, the statewide agitation has been launched on the direction of Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee President Deepak Baij.
Key Demands
– Roll back the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
– Withdraw the installation of smart electricity meters.
– Restore the 400-unit half electricity bill subsidy scheme.
Addressing the media, Siddhanshu Mishra alleged that consumers are losing the benefit of subsidised power because meter readings are not being recorded on fixed dates every month. As a result, many households reportedly cross the subsidy slab and receive higher electricity bills.
He also questioned the government’s decision to push smart meters, stating that Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has said that smart meters are not mandatory, while officials in Chhattisgarh are allegedly presenting them as compulsory.
Mahendra Gangotri claimed that the smart meter project was implemented without adequate public consultation. He said many people, particularly in rural areas, do not own Android smartphones, making it difficult for them to access digital electricity bills. He added that Congress workers would stand with affected consumers and help them register their grievances.
The party has also released a dedicated WhatsApp number for electricity-related complaints. Congress leaders said party workers would visit consumers’ homes, hear their concerns and assist them in submitting complaint forms as part of the agitation.
Senior Congress leaders, including Shailesh Pandey, Vijay Kesarwani, and Vijay Pandey, were also present at the press conference.If you’d like, I can also rewrite this in a **neutral, agency-style (Reuters/AP)** format suitable for an English news portal.
