BJP MP Rajib Bhattacharjee defends Tripura’s smart meter roll-out, slamming opposition parties for spreading misinformation. He highlights benefits like accurate billing and transparency while accusing CPI(M) and Congress of obstructing progress and misleading the public for political gain.
In a sharp rebuttal to criticism from opposition parties, State BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee on Sunday defended the Tripura government’s push for smart meter installations across the state. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Agartala, Bhattacharjee accused the opposition—particularly the CPI(M) and Congress—of deliberately misleading the public with “baseless propaganda.”
Bhattacharjee asserted that the smart meter initiative is a necessary and progressive step toward modernizing Tripura’s power infrastructure. “Parties like CPI(M) and Congress are unable to accept the development and progress brought by the current government. They are misleading the people and maligning the smart meter initiative with baseless propaganda,” he said.
He clarified that the implementation of smart meters aligns with the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, which mandate smart metering for all electricity consumers. The rules, introduced by the Union Ministry of Power, aim to enhance efficiency, transparency, and consumer empowerment in power distribution.
“Smart meters are not only legal but also beneficial to the public. They ensure accurate billing, reduce manual errors, and enhance accountability in the power sector,” Bhattacharjee explained. He stressed that the initiative is similar to other digital transformations carried out by the current government—such as e-office systems—intended to make governance more transparent and technology-driven.
The BJP leader noted that many citizens are already experiencing the benefits of smart metering, including real-time consumption data, reduced billing disputes, and more responsive customer service. “It’s unfortunate that instead of supporting a modern and consumer-friendly system, the opposition is trying to confuse people with fear-mongering tactics,” he added.
Turning his attention to the political opposition, Bhattacharjee launched a scathing critique of past administrations led by CPI(M) and Congress. He particularly targeted former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, accusing him of overseeing a regime characterized by systemic failure and criminal activities.
“During the 25 years of Left Front rule, the state witnessed widespread misuse of power, corruption, and political murders. These are the people now questioning an initiative that promotes efficiency and transparency,” Bhattacharjee alleged.
He claimed that under CPI(M)-Congress rule, developmental progress had stagnated and public services had suffered due to outdated systems and lack of innovation. In contrast, the current administration is committed to aligning Tripura with national digital and infrastructure goals.
The BJP president emphasized that the government remains committed to public welfare and modernization, despite resistance from “regressive political elements.” He appealed to citizens to look beyond the misinformation campaign and judge the smart meter initiative based on its merits and benefits.
Bhattacharjee also pointed out that smart metering is not unique to Tripura. It is part of a nationwide initiative under the Central government’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), aimed at reducing power losses and improving overall grid efficiency across India.
In concluding his remarks, the BJP MP reiterated the government’s stand on continuing the smart meter roll-out and dismissed opposition criticism as a desperate attempt to stay politically relevant.
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“The people of Tripura have witnessed both eras—the darkness of CPI(M)-Congress governance and the light of digital progress under BJP. We will not let misinformation derail our mission of modernizing this state,” Bhattacharjee said.
