The Chhattisgarh Congress has announced a three-day statewide agitation against rising electricity bills and the implementation of smart meters, culminating in a protest outside the Chief Minister's residence in Raipur on August 3.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CPCC) president Deepak Baij alleged that increasing electricity charges and higher consumer bills have placed an additional financial burden on households across the state. He said the party would intensify its campaign by taking the issue directly to the people.

Three-Day Protest Plan

The Congress has scheduled a phased statewide programme from August 1 to August 3.

On August 1, district Congress units will hold press conferences at district headquarters to highlight issues related to rising electricity tariffs, inflated power bills and complaints linked to smart meters.

On August 2, party workers will conduct a door-to-door outreach campaign across urban and rural areas. During the campaign, they will interact with electricity consumers and collect written representations against high power bills and the installation of smart meters.

The campaign will conclude on August 3, when Congress leaders and workers from across the state will gather in Raipur to stage a protest and lay siege to the Chief Minister's residence.

Congress Targets State Government

Deepak Baij alleged that electricity consumers have been receiving unusually high bills in recent months, affecting household budgets. He claimed that the introduction of smart meters and revisions in electricity charges have added to the financial pressure on families.

According to the Congress, the proposed agitation aims to build public opinion against what it describes as "expensive electricity" and to press the government to review power tariffs and provide relief to consumers.

Door-to-Door Campaign

As part of the outreach programme, Congress workers will visit homes to collect complaints from electricity consumers. The party plans to submit these representations to the government, demanding corrective measures regarding billing issues and electricity tariffs.

The Congress said the campaign would cover both rural and urban areas in an effort to mobilise public support on the issue.

Warning of Bigger Agitation

Baij said the Congress has been raising concerns over electricity prices and smart meters for several months and is now expanding the campaign into a statewide movement.

He warned that if the state government does not provide relief to consumers or review the electricity tariff structure, the party would intensify its agitation in the coming weeks.

The Chhattisgarh government has not yet responded to the Congress' announcement of the proposed protests.