Andhra Pradesh: Congress hold protest against power hike; demands immediate withdrawal

Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) [India], November 7 : Andhra Pradesh Congress unit chief YS Sharmila and other party leaders on Thursday held a protest here against the power tariff hike in the southern state.
The protesters took out a march rally in Vijayawada and held up lanterns as a mark of protest.
Sharmila alleged that the people of Andhra Pradesh are "paying much higher electricity prices" than Telangana, Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states.
"Congress party held a protest against the hike in electricity prices by the Telugu Desam Party government...People of Andhra Pradesh are paying much higher electricity prices than Telangana, Tamil Nadu or neighbouring states. Telangana is charging Rs 4.8 per unit up to 200 units, while Tamil Nadu is charging Rs 4.8 per unit up to 400 units and the Andhra Pradesh government is charging Rs 6 up to 225 units," Sharmila told ANI.
She further alleged that electricity bills are going to increase by at least 40 per cent in the state and demanded that the hike be withdrawn immediately.
"And now with a new power hike of Rs 17,000 crore, (Chief Minister) Chandrababu Naidu wants to burden the people of Andhra Pradesh. Electricity bills are going to increase by at least 40 per cent. This is not right," Sharmila said.
She further mentioned that Chandrababu Naidu has been blaming the past YCP government headed by Jagan Mohan Reddy for "having shelled out more than necessary."
"...We demand that the hike be withdrawn immediately...," Sharmila said.