Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and supporters staged a ‘mahadharna’ protest in Bhilai on Saturday, demanding the full benefits of the State government's half electricity bill scheme. The protest, which lasted for four hours, saw the participation of senior BJP leaders who voiced their concerns over what they perceive as the State government's failure to deliver on its promises. Addressing the dharna, Prem Prakash Pandey, former cabinet minister, expressed the party's commitment to continue their agitation until the State government refunds Rs 30,000 to each consumer, totalling a substantial Rs 80 crore. Pandey emphasized that the township consumers have a rightful claim to the benefits of the State government's schemes. He, along with party leaders and workers, vowed to ensure that the benefits of the half electricity bill scheme are extended to the consumers from as far back as March 2019. Pandey also assured the township consumers that they will be exempt from power bill payments for the next two years. Narayan Chandel, Leader of Opposition in the Chhattisgarh Assembly, took the opportunity to criticize the Congress-led State government.

 

He alleged that the government's deceptive practices extended beyond Bhilai and accused MLAs of engaging in corrupt activities and spreading falsehoods. Chandel believed that the ongoing agitation led by the former cabinet minister would secure benefits for the domestic consumers in the township. Brijmohan Agrawal, former cabinet minister and MLA from Raipur South, accused the State government of adopting a double standard policy and predicted its impending downfall. Agrawal also pointed fingers at the Bhilai MLA, alleging corrupt practices that have tarnished the education hub's reputation. MP Vijay Baghel accused the State government of misleading the public and neglecting their welfare. He specifically criticized the government and the local MLA for disseminating inaccurate information to the populace regarding lease deed registry with property titles. Rajya Sabha MP Saroj Pandey claimed that the State government's announcement of scheme benefits for Bhilai township consumers was politically motivated, especially in light of the upcoming elections.

 

Pandey accused the government of conveniently neglecting the consumers' rights for the majority of the scheme's implementation period. During the 'Mahadharna' event, Shivratan Sharma, MLA of Bhatapara, and several senior party leaders addressed the gathering, expressing their solidarity with the protesters and emphasizing the party's dedication to their cause. In response to the Mahadharna, Congress spokesperson Javed Khan dismissed the BJP's stance, suggesting that the party should focus on addressing the 39-month arrear payment issue of BSP workers, given their party’s government in Delhi. Khan criticized the BJP for attempting to divert attention by highlighting what he deemed as obscure issues.