Electricity Tariff Hike Sparks Statewide YSRCP Protests; Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy Criticizes Chandrababu

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders and workers organized protests across Andhra Pradesh against the recent electricity tariff hikes. Accusing the coalition government of imposing a financial burden of ₹15,485 crore on the public within just six months of coming to power, YSRCP leaders staged demonstrations in front of electricity department offices in all constituency headquarters.

Former Minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy, addressing the gathering in Punganur, strongly criticized the government over rising electricity bills. "The government is exploiting the public under the guise of electricity charges," he alleged. He claimed that former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had promised not to increase electricity tariffs and even reduce them where possible. However, contrary to this assurance, the burden of ₹15,485 crore has been placed on the people under his regime, Peddireddi stated.

He further expressed concern over the discontinuation of the 200 units of free electricity provided to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). "This critical benefit must continue," he demanded, urging the government to reinstate the free electricity scheme for marginalized communities.