RJD conducted state-wide Dharna against smart meters.

RJD conducted state-wide Dharna against smart meters.

Patna, October 1, 2024: RJD, the main opposition party in Bihar, organized a state-wide Dharna demonstration across all 534 blocks of Bihar on Tuesday, protesting against the forced installation of smart meters.

The RJD leaders, along with lakhs of participants including party members, workers and the general public, voiced concern over the alleged exploitation of poor and common people in the name of smart meters.

RJD’s state president Jagadanand Singh, expressed surprise at the overwhelming public support for the protest, criticizing the government’s policies as anti-people.

“The RJD would not remain silent if the government continues with such measures, pledging to sustain the movement until the policies are not reversed,” Singh said.

“The installation of smart meters has led to inflated electricity bills compared to older meters, disproportionately affecting poor and marginalized families. Many households struggling to pay their bills are having their electricity cut off, further compounding their hardships,” Singh said.

He emphasized that the protest marked a significant pushback from the people of Bihar against what he described as autocratic governance.

RJD state president strongly criticized the Nitish Kumar government’s action, accusing it of siding with electricity companies.

“The CMD of the electricity companies had written letters to all district magistrates urging the forced installation of smart meters—which is inappropriate and lacking justification,” Singh said.

Singh claimed that the state government is heavily influenced by the interests of these companies, prioritizing corporate benefits over the welfare of the public, especially the poor. He further accused the government, particularly the “Double Engine” government led by CM Nitish Kumar, of neglecting the concerns of ordinary citizens in favour of corporate interest.

RJD spokesperson Chittranjan Gagan echoed these concerns, pointing out the overwhelming public response to the protest.

“The spontaneous participation of lakhs of people in the RJD’s demonstration reflects widespread public opposition to the forced installation of smart meters. The decision of the Nitish Kumar government will prove to be a major political misstep. This decision will prove to be the last nail for it,” Gagan said.  

Also Read: Jagadanand Singh said he lives in two rooms led to lower power bills.

EOM.