Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Oct 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah faced backlash for comparing prepaid electricity meters to mobile recharges, with critics accusing him of making a U-turn on his pre-election promise.
The installation of smart meters has been one of the most debated issues in Kashmir, with residents opposing them for being more expensive than previous meters.
Over the past few years, hundreds of protests have been held across the region against the rollout. During the election campaign, Abdullah criticised the meters and told voters that he would address the issue after winning office.
Before the assembly elections, he had told voters that smart meters were being installed even though electricity supply was not yet available, and people would be required to pay bills in advance. He promised that the issue would be addressed after the elections.
After assuming office, Omar described prepaid electricity meters as similar to prepaid mobile phones. He said consumers pay first and then use electricity, questioning why people were concerned and pointing out that the meters were installed across the region, not just in Jammu.
The shift in stance has drawn criticism from political leaders and social media users.
People’s Conference (PC) president Sajad Gani Lone said Abdullah’s earlier assurances about electricity units were misleading and accused him of reversing his position.
Sajad Gani Lone said, “Now this is no longer about free 200 units of electricity. This is about CM sahib lying through his teeth. The comparison between the pre- and post-election videos of CM sahib about smart meters unambiguously and digitally nails the lies and deception. Mark my words, this is the ‘coffee and toffee’ moment for CM sahib for all times to come.”
Senior Congress leader Vikar Rasool said the pre-election promises now appeared inconsistent with his current remarks. “Omar Abdullah spoke about installing smart meters before the elections, but where did that honesty go after he became Chief Minister?”
Meanwhile, social media users also criticised the Chief Minister. Many highlighted clips from his campaign statements alongside his recent comments, accusing him of a U-turn. (KNO)
