Srinagar, 22 August 2026: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Saturday strongly criticised the National Conference (NC)-led government over the reported 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs, terming the move a betrayal of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sharma said the NC had come to power with a clear promise of providing 200 units of free electricity to every household, but nearly two years after the 2024 Assembly elections, the commitment remained unfulfilled. Instead, he said, consumers were now being burdened with higher electricity bills.
“The NC government promised 200 units of free electricity to every household. But instead of fulfilling that commitment, people are now facing an increase in electricity tariffs. This is not relief; it is a betrayal of the trust placed in the government,” Sharma said.
He said the 6.83 per cent tariff hike, expected to come into effect from September 1, would further increase the financial burden on ordinary families already struggling with inflation and rising household expenses.
Sharma said the development highlighted a stark contradiction between the NC’s electoral promises and its performance in government.
“Before the elections, the promise was 200 units of free electricity; after the elections, the reality is higher electricity bills. The government must explain why the promises made to the people have not been fulfilled,” he said.
The Leader of Opposition also questioned the Omar Abdullah-led government’s commitment to the NC’s manifesto promise of providing 200 units of free electricity.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve answers, not slogans. The NC must explain where the promised 200 units of free electricity are and why, instead of fulfilling its commitment, the government is increasing the burden on consumers,” Sharma said.
Sharma warned that the BJP would continue to raise the concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and hold the NC-led government accountable for the promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections.
