By Tripura24.in Bureau
AGARTALA | June 8, 2026: Mounting public anger over severe electricity disruptions, recurring tariff hikes, and alleged widespread corruption in the state’s power department spilled onto the streets today. Activists of the Sadar District Congress Committee staged a massive demonstration and gheraoed the main office of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) at Bidyut Bhawan in Agartala.
The agitators raised slogans against the state government and TSECL authorities, demanding an immediate rollback of inflated power tariffs, the cessation of the forced installation of prepaid smart meters, and a transparent investigation into systemic financial corruption.
Public Fleeced via ‘Smart Meter Fraud’
Addressing the protest gathering, Pradesh Congress Spokesperson Prabir Chakraborty launched a scathing attack on the ruling government, accusing it of exploiting consumers through what he termed “smart meter fraud.”
”At a time when the common people are reeling under a severe summer heatwave, TSECL is subjecting them to protracted power cuts lasting six to seven hours daily. Despite failing to provide basic, uninterrupted service, they are silently pick-pocketing citizens by imposing exorbitant electricity bills through these smart meters,” Chakraborty alleged.
Congress leaders pointed out that the smart meters are forcefully extracting money from low-income families, requiring upfront recharges similar to mobile phone connections. They highlighted that consumers are reporting bills five to ten times higher than previous digital meters, turning electricity into a luxury.
Deteriorating Infrastructure and Alleged Financial Scams
The Congress leadership placed a heavy emphasis on the failing health of Tripura’s power infrastructure. The party revealed that while TSECL held fixed deposits worth ₹350 crore in 2018, its debt burden has now ballooned past ₹1,000 crore due to gross financial mismanagement.
Key Grievances Highlighted by CongressImpact on PublicPrepaid Smart MetersForceful installation, inflated readings, and high overbilling.Clandestine Tariff HikesRecent 7% to 10% hike alongside steep fixed and fuel additional charges.Severe Load SheddingFrequent 6–7 hour power cuts affecting households and emergency hospital ICUs.Financial IrregularitiesAllegations of ₹3.5 crore looted from fixed deposits and favors to dubious private billing contractors.
“The condition of the power corporation is the starkest proof of this government’s failing administration,” stated Sadar District Congress President Tanmoy Roy, who presided over the demonstration. Leaders also alleged that private contractors entrusted with billing and maintenance have been siphoning off crores of rupees while ordinary citizens bear the financial brunt.
Warning of Nationwide Agitation
The demonstration saw massive participation from the youth, women, Scheduled Castes (SC), and labor wings of the Congress party. Prominent leaders including Nil Kamal Saha, Sarbani Ghosh Chakraborty, Manoranjan Debnath, and Niranjan Das were at the forefront of the protest.
The Congress leadership submitted a memorandum with their core demands to senior TSECL authorities. They warned that if the state government fails to withdraw the clandestine tariff hikes, provide stable electricity, and address public grievances within a stipulated timeframe, the party will launch an intensive, state-wide agitation blockading major infrastructure.
