Handwara, Aug 24: National Conference (NC) Rajya Sabha Member Choudhary Ramzan on Monday defended the government’s decision to increase electricity tariffs by 6.83 percent, describing the hike as a “compulsion” rather than a choice.
Speaking to reporters in Handwara, Ramzan said, “We don’t want people to suffer, but it is a compulsion. Rates of other essentials are also touching the skies. The power tariff hike is a compulsion, otherwise we will have to stop giving electricity,” he said.
Ramzan urged people to cooperate with the government, saying it had to balance competing demands amid the challenges in governance.
He said the decision was taken even though the government was not ready for the tariff increase.
RUHULLAH REMAINS INTEGRAL PART OF NATIONAL CONFERENCE
On the issue surrounding NC leader Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, Ramzan said Ruhullah remains an integral part of the National Conference and there is no issue between him and the party leadership.
“Aga Ruhullah is part of the ruling National Conference. He was and is part of us,” he said.
Ramzan said NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah had earlier described Ruhullah as being like his son, while Ruhullah had also referred to Abdullah as a fatherly figure.
“Where is the issue?” he asked, accusing the media of blowing the matter out of proportion.
“Media should stop exaggerating the issue. They have already done enough,” Ramzan said—(KNO)
