AAP functionaries and workers in Goa on Sunday waved black flags at state Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar over the government's decision to install smart power meters and issuance of "inflated" electricity bills to consumers. The party has been protesting over the issue even as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday put on hold the installation of smart meters and collection of power load-linked penalties following criticism from people and opposition parties.
On Saturday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders marched to the private residence of minister Dhavalikar at Nagueshi village in North Goa. On Sunday, the AAP workers waved black flags at him in Ponda town during his private visit.
The protest was led by AAP's senior vice president Sandesh Teleikar Dessai, party's Ponda block chief Geetesh Naik and others. Talking to reporters, Dessai said that the electricity department tried to impose smart meters on the consumers without taking them into confidence, while inflated bills have also been issued to them.
"When the media questioned Dhavalikar about it, he insulted the consumers by using a Konkani phrase 'Naak damle shivay tond ugadana' (mouth does not open unless the nose is pinched). This is a complete sign of arrogance," the AAP leader said.
He said that the protests over the issue will continue.
The AAP has accused the government of using the electricity department as an "extortion machine" by imposing penalties, issuing inflated bills and introducing smart meters.
The Congress has also targeted the Sawant-led dispensation over the decision, saying it reflected the "administrative failure and insensitivity" towards consumers. It also said that the government's rollback move exposed flaws in the entire exercise.
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