BJP MLAs protest inside J&K Assembly over rising electricity charges. (Img: Dynamite News)
Srinagar: The opening day of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s Autumn Session witnessed a major political confrontation as BJP legislators staged a protest inside the House against the recent electricity tariff hike.
The BJP MLAs entered the Assembly with placards, raised slogans and demanded withdrawal of the revised power tariff, while also highlighting concerns related to National Health Mission employees, daily-wage workers and employment issues.
The protest brought electricity prices and public welfare concerns to the centre of the Assembly debate, setting the tone for what is expected to be a politically charged 10-day session.
The BJP targeted the recently revised electricity tariff structure during the first day of proceedings and demanded immediate relief for consumers. The party raised concerns that higher electricity charges could increase the financial burden on households, traders, small businesses and common consumers.
Power tariffs have emerged as a sensitive issue in Jammu and Kashmir as electricity costs directly impact monthly household expenses and business operations. The BJP demanded that the government reconsider the decision and take steps to provide relief to consumers.
The demonstration inside the Assembly created noisy scenes during the proceedings as BJP members raised slogans and displayed placards. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather intervened after the protest disrupted the proceedings and directed that the slogan-shouting and related protest activity would not be recorded as part of the official Assembly proceedings.
The incident marked the first major political clash of the Autumn Session, with Opposition parties preparing to raise several governance-related issues during the upcoming sittings.
Along with the electricity tariff hike, BJP legislators highlighted concerns affecting National Health Mission employees and daily-wage workers. The party raised demands related to employment security, regularisation of temporary workers and pending issues faced by contractual employees.
Worker-related concerns are expected to remain an important topic throughout the Assembly session as political parties focus on employment opportunities, government recruitment and social security.
The protest follows the decision of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) to approve an average 6.83 percent increase in electricity tariffs in Jammu and Kashmir. The revised rates came into effect from September 1, 2026.
The tariff revision has triggered political debate because electricity prices directly affect millions of consumers, especially during a period when households are closely watching monthly expenses. Opposition parties are expected to question the government over the impact of the hike and demand measures to reduce the pressure on consumers.
The seven-sitting Autumn Session is expected to witness detailed discussions on governance, employment, public services, infrastructure development and statehood-related issues.
The BJP had already indicated that electricity tariffs, outsourcing policies, worker regularisation and other administrative concerns would be among its major focus areas. Other political parties are also expected to bring constituency-level problems and public grievances before the House.
The protest on the first day highlights how public issues are likely to dominate the Assembly proceedings. Electricity pricing, employment challenges and delivery of government services remain key concerns for citizens, making them important subjects of political debate.
The Assembly session is expected to provide a platform for both the government and Opposition parties to present their positions on issues affecting people across Jammu and Kashmir. As the Autumn Session continues, legislators are expected to raise questions on government policies, public schemes and administrative decisions.
The government may face further discussions on electricity tariffs, employment policies, worker demands and public service delivery. With seven sittings scheduled until September 30, all eyes will remain on Assembly debates, political arguments and decisions that could impact governance in Jammu and Kashmir.
