Says crores meant for public welfare being spent on electricity bills
The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Oct 23: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah has delivered a blunt reality check to power consumers in Kashmir, accusing many of stealing electricity and then blaming the government for erratic supply.
In a video clip that has gone viral with over 80,000 views, the former Chief Minister can be heard saying, “If you steal electricity and then complain about shortage, what do you expect? We must use power carefully. Outside shops, lights burn all night, every room in the house is lit — and we keep wasting electricity.”
He said the government spends crores of rupees buying electricity that could otherwise fund development projects. “The money meant for people’s progress is going into paying bills. People must understand this,” Dr Abdullah said.
Defending the government’s smart meter installation drive, he added, “This government is yours, not from outside. Those who are poor will definitely get electricity.”
The remarks have stirred intense online debate — while some netizens praised his honesty, others questioned whether smart meters are the right solution to curb power theft in the Valley.
