SRINAGAR — The National Conference (NC)-led administration in Jammu and Kashmir has faced sharp criticism from opposition leaders following an upward revision in electricity tariffs, with senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sunil Sharma accusing the ruling party of backtracking on pre-election promises.
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The reaction follows a recent regulatory decision that approved a 6.83 percent hike in power tariffs across the region.
Speaking to reporters, Sharma alleged that the administration had misled voters during the election campaign by promising relief on utility bills, including commitments related to free electricity. Instead of easing the financial burden on residents, he said, the government had imposed an additional tariff increase that would directly impact ordinary households and businesses.
"The National Conference government has betrayed the people of Jammu and Kashmir once again," Sharma said, according to reports from *Kashmir Uzma*. "Promises of free electricity and economic relief have resulted in a higher financial burden through increased power tariffs."
The opposition leader argued that households across the region are already grappling with economic pressures and that higher electricity costs will worsen the situation, particularly during peak usage periods.
The ruling National Conference has not yet issued a detailed official response to the latest statements from opposition figures regarding the tariff adjustment. Utilities and regulatory bodies in Jammu and Kashmir periodically review electricity pricing to manage operational costs, transmission losses, and power purchase agreements, though such adjustments frequently draw political scrutiny from opposition parties.
