Taking cue from AAP, Cong demands power tariff cut in Mumbai

Congress MPs Sanjay Nirupam and Priya Dutt on Monday led a protest morcha outside the Reliance Energy office in suburban Kandivli, seeking reduction in power tariffs in the metropolis.

"We will not rest till the company takes measures to lower the tariff," Nirupam said addressing the protesters who raised slogans branding Reliance Energy Chairman Anil Ambani as a "thief".

Dutt said there should be uniform power tariff in Mumbai and suburbs. "If the tariff is not lowered, the agitation will spread and more of our colleagues will join the stir," she said.

The MPs have been demanding a tariff cut with Nirupam even threatening to go on an indefinite fast.

A Group of Ministers headed by Industries Minister Narayan Rane had recommended 10 to 20 per cent cut in power tariffs.

Nirupam had written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan demanding a cut in power tariff, asking if the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi can do so why the same can't be done in Mumbai and Maharashtra.

Nirupam had also written to Anil Ambani asking him to be present during the agitation to address the public and explain his company's position.

Among the demands are for certain charges like the fixed charge and regulatory asset charge to be withdrawn by the company.

Image: Congress MPs Sanjay Nirupam and Priya Dutt