THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday accused the State government of failing to act on the inflated electricity bills despite assurances from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant nearly two weeks ago.
AAP State President Valmiki Naik said not a single bill has been rectified since the Chief Minister’s announcement and demanded an official notification ordering a complete waiver of disputed bills and refunds to consumers who have already paid.
“Hollow statements are not enough. People need real relief,” Naik told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday.
He reiterated AAP’s demand for three measures: waiver of inflated bills, refunds to affected consumers, and 300 units of free electricity per household each month.
He said these steps were essential to ease the financial stress on families and pointed out that similar schemes were already in place in Delhi and Punjab.
The party also criticised Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, accusing him of making empty promises.
“The government is fooling people with statements ahead of elections,” Naik said, warning that if the BJP returned to power, consumers would continue to face heavy charges and penalties.
On the ground the party staged protests at electricity department offices in Cuncolim and Canacona.
In Canacona, AAP leader Rajesh Gaonkar led residents in submitting demands for immediate waiver of bills while in Cuncolim, youth leader Neash Coutinho led consumers from nearby villages in a silent protest at the Margao Power House, with participants wearing black bands.
Residents at both locations said they were still receiving inflated bills despite the Chief Minister’s assurance and accused the government of deliberately delaying relief and burdening households with unaffordable charges.
AAP leaders, meanwhile, vowed to continue their agitation until all disputed bills are waived and refunds issued.
The party's minority leader Sarfaraz Ankalgi said consumers deserved “action and not mere announcements.”
He alleged the government was misleading people with promises while ignoring their real grievances.
