CPI(M) launches protest against smart electricity meters and rising power tariff in Vijayawada

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has intensified its campaign against the installation of smart electricity meters and the rising power tariffs in Andhra Pradesh, calling for mass resistance from the public. 

The CPI(M) activists took out a padayatra in the 57th Division of New Rajarajeswaripet here on Friday. Residents, particularly from working-class backgrounds, poured out their frustration at receiving inflated electricity bills despite limited usage. “Even though the house is locked during the day, bills are arriving for hundreds of rupees,” said one local. 

The party leaders explained the long-term implications of smart meters, alleging that the devices are being installed without transparency or public consent, and pledged to oppose the move.

The CPI(M) State secretariat member Ch. Babu Rao, on the occasion, accused the ruling alliance government of betraying public trust. “The NDA leaders promised to ease the burden on people, but instead they are extracting money through hiked power bills,” he said. Both the current NDA coalition and the previous YSRCP regime colluded with the corporate conglomerate Adani, Mr Babu Rao alleged.

He alleged that ₹25,000 crore worth of smart meter projects were being handed over to Adani group under the guise of modernisation, replacing working meters and pushing the State toward full privatisation.

Mr. Babu Rao further criticised the silence of the Electricity Minister and other leaders on inflated bills and failure to act on earlier promises. “If YSRCP was corrupt, why is this government is not acting against it?” he asked.

Calling upon the public to join a massive protest rally on July 4 in front of the CPDCL office in Vijayawada, he said: “Reject smart meters. Resist the tariff hikes. Save the future.”

The CPI(M) leaders B. Ramana Rao, T. Srinivas, M.V. Ramana, and others were present.