Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Congress protests Odisha power security charges
In Odisha, India, Congress party leaders and workers protested outside electricity offices.
They were upset about a new extra charge called ASD on people's electricity bills.
The protesters, including important leaders like Bhakta Charan Das, said electricity is as important as food and should be cheaper or free for everyone, especially farmers.
They tried to surround the office of Tata Power, but the police stopped them and took some leaders away.
The power company said the extra charge is required by law.
The protesters want the government to give 300 units of free electricity to everyone and free power for farmers.
Similar protests happened in other parts of Odisha.
Congress leaders and workers protested in Odisha against additional security deposit (ASD) on domestic power bills.
Protests occurred outside electricity offices, including Tata Power's office in Bhubaneswar.
Key demands included 300 units of free electricity and free power for farmers.
Protesters alleged exploitation of consumers and suggested increasing industrial tariffs instead.
Police detained several leaders and workers to disperse the protesters.
- Who
- Congress leaders and workers in Odisha
- What
- Protested against additional security deposit (ASD) on domestic power consumers
- When
- Monday
- Where
- Outside electricity offices across Odisha, including Bhubaneswar
- Why
- To protest against the imposition of ASD and smart meters, alleging exploitation of power consumers
- Location
- Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- Protesters
- Congress leaders and workers
- Issue
- Additional security deposit (ASD) on domestic power consumers
- Key Figures
- Bhakta Charan Das, Srikant Jena, Meenakshi Bahinipati
- Demands
- 300 units of free electricity, free power for farmers
- Company Involved
- Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL)
- Regulatory Reference
- Electricity Act, 2003 and Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) regulations