Omar Abdullah Faces Public Wrath Over Contradictory Statements on Electricity Metering in Jammu and Kashmir
Srinagar, Dec 27, KNT: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has found himself at the center of a political storm after two videos highlighting contradictory statements on electricity metering went viral. The footage has ignited widespread criticism, with residents and netizens accusing him of backtracking on promises and ignoring the struggles of ordinary consumers.
The first video, recorded during an election campaign, shows Omar Abdullah advocating for consumer rights and pledging that his party would reconsider the installation of electricity meters if voted into power. He assured voters that their concerns would be addressed and seemed to oppose the indiscriminate use of metering. However, in the second video, Omar Abdullah as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust is seen taking a starkly different stance. He criticizes some consumers for misusing electricity, claiming that households registered for minimal usage, such as four bulbs, were operating multiple electrical appliances. He argued that metering was the only viable solution to address persistent power issues in the region.
This apparent reversal has drawn sharp criticism from the public, with many accusing the Chief Minister of betraying his pre-election commitments. The issue has gained traction online, where residents have labeled him inconsistent and accused him of prioritizing policy enforcement over public welfare.
Pertinently, people had staged protests in Jammu and Kashmir against the installation of smart electricity meters. Locals still have been expressing outrage over skyrocketing bills attributed to these meters, which they argue have placed an unbearable financial burden on already struggling households.
Despite the public outcry, authorities have remained resolute in their stance. Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has maintained that smart metering is essential for improving billing accuracy and energy management. In some instances in past, the protests had led to confrontations, with FIRs being lodged against demonstrators accused of damaging meters or disrupting installations.
Netizens have been particularly vocal about Omar Abdullah’s statements, with many viewing his comments as a betrayal of trust. “Before elections, he was on the side of the people, but now he seems to have forgotten his promises,” one user remarked on social media. [KNT]
