Coalition Government Should Bear Fuel Adjustment Charges on Electricity: YSRC
Vijayawada: Malladi Vishnu, coordinator for the YSR Congress Vijayawada Central constituency and former legislator, criticised the imposition of Rs 9,412 crores as fuel adjustment charges on Andhra Pradesh’s electricity consumers. He condemned the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) for ignoring objections raised against these charges.
Vishnu pointed out that the coalition government has burdened citizens with increased electricity costs twice within six months of assuming power. From January, consumers will face a combined hike of Rs 2.19 per unit due to recent increments.
He accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of reneging on past promises to lower electricity charges, citing contradictory statements from 2019 to 2023. Vishnu revealed that nearly Rs 150 crores would burden 146,427 consumers in the Central constituency alone.
Calling for the government and distribution companies to bear these costs, he urged immediate action to alleviate the burden on the poor, warning of mass protests if demands are ignored.
Expand EAGLE initiative to combat drugs and liquor abuse: Jana Chaitanya Vedika
Jana Chaitanya Vedika leaders, including state president Vallam Reddy Lakshmana Reddy and former minister Dokka Manikya Varaprasad, called for expanding the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) initiative to tackle drugs and illicit liquor production.
Speaking at a meeting in Guntur, they highlighted the proliferation of local illicit liquor in tribal areas, which harms the poor. Varaprasad urged the government to provide alternative livelihoods to those involved in liquor production. Lakshmana Reddy raised concerns over adulterated liquor containing harmful chemicals like Diazepam and Chloral Hydrate, emphasising its health risks.
Criticising the excise policy, they condemned the rise of illegal belt shops and inflated liquor prices. They demanded that EAGLE’s police force, empowered with IG-level authority, operate without political interference. The leaders reiterated the importance of EAGLE’s toll-free number, ensuring round-the-clock action against drug and liquor offences.
