Telangana Dy CM slams Opposition over ‘Power Meter’ Claims, Reaffirms Free Electricity for Farmers
Khammam, June 7 (TNT): Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Sunday alleged that certain political parties were deliberately spreading misinformation among farmers by claiming that the Congress government intended to install electricity meters for agricultural pump sets.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating a 33/11 KV power substation at Pakabanda in Khammam district, Bhatti dismissed the allegations and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing free electricity for farmers.
Recalling Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s stand on the issue, he said the Chief Minister had categorically declared that the government would not install electricity meters for farmers and would continue providing free power supply without any such measures.
“Free electricity for farmers is the Congress Party’s patent right,” Bhatti said, quoting the Chief Minister’s earlier remarks.
The Deputy Chief Minister questioned those spreading what he termed false propaganda and asked whether they would apologise to the people of Telangana or refrain from contesting elections if the government continued supplying free electricity without installing meters.
He urged opposition parties not to exploit farmers and poor citizens by spreading misinformation for political purposes.
Bhatti said the government’s objective extends beyond providing free electricity and includes ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality power supply to consumers across the state.
He stated that efforts are being made to reduce transmission and distribution losses so that consumers are not burdened with additional costs and the power sector remains financially sustainable.
As part of ongoing reforms in the electricity sector, the government is even prepared to consider establishing a separate “Farmer DISCOM” if necessary to better serve the needs of the agricultural community, he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister asserted that the government is functioning with sincerity and commitment towards public welfare and would continue implementing reforms aimed at improving the quality and reliability of power supply.
“Regardless of future increases in electricity demand, the government will continue to provide quality power and honour its commitment of free electricity to farmers,” he said.
Bhatti also directed officials to address the issue of loose and hanging cables in villages and urban areas, describing them as a safety hazard.
He instructed authorities to issue notices to cable owners and provide them with 15 to 30 days to rectify the problem. Any cables remaining non-compliant after the stipulated period should be removed, he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that the government remains committed to strengthening power infrastructure while protecting the interests of farmers and ensuring reliable electricity supply across Telangana.
TNT TS
