Widespread protests have erupted across Kerala following a sharp increase in electricity tariffs, with the Opposition accusing the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of corruption and financial mismanagement. The latest hike of 16 paise per unit, effective immediately, has sparked outrage among consumers, with another 12 paise increase planned for March. Opposition Leader VD Satheesan criticized the government for imposing repeated financial burdens on households, which he claims stem from the Kerala State Electricity Board’s (KSEB) mismanagement and controversial policy decisions.
“Since coming to power, the LDF government has raised electricity charges five times. The latest hike will increase the monthly bill for a household consuming 250 units by Rs 50 now and by Rs 100 in March,” Satheesan said during a press conference on December 7. He attributed the rising costs to the LDF’s cancellation of a cost-effective power purchase agreement made during Oommen Chandy’s tenure, alleging that the subsequent procurement of power at inflated rates has disproportionately impacted the public.
Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged that the hike in power tariffs was meant to benefit the Adani Group. “The cancellation of the previous contract directly benefitted Adani. The government purchased power from Adani at rates ranging from Rs 10.25 to Rs 14 per unit,” he charged, questioning whether these decisions were part of a broader agenda to privatize KSEB.
Responding to the allegations, Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty defended the tariff hike, stating that the earlier agreement was canceled due to technical issues flagged by the Regulatory Commission. This, he explained, left the government with no choice but to procure power from alternative, costlier sources.
Meanwhile, the controversy triggered widespread protests, with Congress workers staging demonstrations on the night of December 7 in Chittoor, Palakkad. Protesters carried petromax lamps, lanterns, and candles as symbolic gestures, marching to Minister Krishnankutty’s office.
Palakkad District Congress Committee (DCC) Vice President Adv. Sumesh Achuthan intensified the attack, accusing the government of siphoning off Rs 3,000 crore through successive tariff hikes. “The Chief Minister and the Electricity Minister are shirking responsibility by blaming the Regulatory Commission. Is the Commission an agency of the United Nations?” he asked mockingly.
Achuthan further alleged that the Regulatory Commission was functioning as an extension of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s administration, citing the appointment of government-aligned nominees. These included a former staff member of ex-Electricity Minister MM Mani and a former Electricity Department official with links to the CPI(M) trade union.
The Opposition has demanded transparency and accountability from the LDF government, accusing it of misusing public funds and making policy decisions that favour private entities at the expense of ordinary citizens. As protests gain momentum, the electricity tariff hike has become a flashpoint in Kerala’s political landscape, with the government facing increasing pressure to justify its actions.