Former CM Manik Sarkar Questions Forced Smart Meter Installation in Tripura

In a strong critique of the Tripura state government's recent move to impose smart electricity meters on consumers, former Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar publicly questioned the rationale behind replacing existing functional meters. Speaking at a media interaction on Thursday, Sarkar accused the BJP-led administration of pursuing a corporate agenda at the expense of common citizens.

Sarkar expressed serious concern over what he called an "unnecessary imposition" by the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL), highlighting that the old meters were already functioning properly and offering transparency in unit consumption to the users.

> “This is a concerning matter. People were seeing their unit usage with existing meters, too,” said Sarkar. “So why are these new meters needed?”

The former Chief Minister alleged that the decision to roll out Smart meters was taken under pressure from corporate entities involved in the manufacturing and supply of these devices. He claimed that the government’s role had been reduced to that of a facilitator for these companies, suggesting that profit-making motives were prioritized over public interest.

> “This is clear that it was done to help the capitalists who manufactured the Smart meters. The government had to sell them on behalf of them, and that’s why it was done,” Sarkar asserted.

He further criticized the lack of transparency and public consultation in the decision-making process, warning that such top-down governance could erode public trust and worsen the financial burden on already struggling families.

Manik Sarkar's remarks come amid growing public discontent over rising electricity costs and concerns around data privacy and billing accuracy with Smart meters. Multiple civil society groups and consumer rights forums have also raised objections, demanding a rollback of the compulsory Smart meter installation drive.

As debates intensify over the state's energy policy, Sarkar’s comments are likely to fuel further political confrontation between the ruling BJP and opposition CPI(M) in Tripura.