EB tariff more shocking than virus, says Stalin

Hitting out at the AIADMK regime for not heeding to public demand on revising electricity assessment policy during the lockdown, Stalin said, “These are not ordinary times. It is pandemic time. People are suffering all kinds of miseries. Now, the AIADMK government is taxing people.” People were shocked more by the electricity bill than coronavirus infection, he added in a video message posted on his social media page, inviting people to participate in the July 21 demonstration against EB tariff assessment policy.

Pointing out that electricity was essential for the people and that Tangedco was functioning to fulfill the needs of the people, the DMK president said, “The tariff imposed by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami-led regime is unjust. Government should be offering whatever possible concessions it could during such times. Instead, the government has hiked tariff.”

Referring to EB concessions offered by a few states, Stalin sought to know if TN does not have the resources to offer concessions. “Is the financial position of the State weak? Is the government coffer empty? What is the truth? If the financial position is good, don’t you have the mind to offer concessions to people,” asked the Leader of Opposition.

“Government says the EB bills were high because people stayed at home. Is this penalty or punishment imposed on people for staying indoors? Was it wrong to have stayed at home,” Stalin asked, and charged the government of not having the foresight to prevent either coronavirus spread or kind heart to help people affected by livelihood loss.