Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has declared that tenants in the state will also be eligible to benefit from the ‘Gruha Jyoti’ scheme, which offers 200 units of free power to all domestic consumers. The announcement came in response to concerns raised after the Congress government issued guidelines for availing free electricity under the scheme. Starting from July 1, the scheme aims to provide relief to low-income individuals and families by exempting them from electricity bills for consumption of up to 200 units.
Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah emphasized that the ‘Gruha Jyoti’ scheme would be extended to tenants as well. This means that individuals residing in rented accommodations, who fall within the consumption limit of 200 units, will not have to pay electricity bills. However, the Chief Minister clarified that the scheme does not apply to commercial usage.
The ‘Gruha Jyoti’ scheme was one of the five guarantees promised by the Congress party before the 2023 assembly elections. In response to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) protest against the recent power tariff hike and the state government’s decision to review the anti-cow slaughter law, Siddaramaiah questioned the moral grounds on which the BJP was protesting. He accused the BJP of exploiting the state when in power and failing to fulfil their election promises, including providing 10 hours of free power, waiving farm loans, and investing in irrigation.
Siddaramaiah referred to the BJP as an “anti-people party” and criticised their tendency to find faults with pro-people measures. He alleged that the BJP engaged in corruption and tarnished the state’s reputation during its previous tenure. The Chief Minister questioned the credibility of the BJP’s criticism, stating, “What moral rights do they have when they come to preach us?”
Meanwhile, protests organized by the BJP against the power tariff hike and the state Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh’s comments on the anti-cow slaughter law entered their second day. Demonstrations took place in various parts of the state, including Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Davangere.
The controversy surrounding the inclusion of tenants in the ‘Gruha Jyoti’ scheme and the ongoing protests by the BJP highlight the political tensions prevailing in Karnataka. As the scheme’s implementation draws closer, it remains to be seen how the government addresses concerns and ensures the successful delivery of free power to eligible beneficiaries.
