Senior Congress leader and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat observed a symbolic silent fast to protest against the proposed increase in electricity and water tariffs in Uttarakhand. He stated that rising inflation has already put pressure on common households, and any hike in essential services would further burden consumers.
Rawat said his silence during the Navratri period was dedicated to lakhs of consumers who, he claimed, are already feeling the impact of rising costs even before the proposed tariff revisions are implemented. He expressed concern that essential utilities like electricity and water are becoming increasingly expensive for ordinary citizens.
The former Chief Minister also announced that after completing his silent fast, he will refrain from participating in political programmes for the next 15 days. He described this period as an opportunity for reflection and reassessment, though he clarified that he would continue to attend personal events such as family functions.
While raising concerns over affordability, Rawat urged the government to reconsider the proposed hike and explore ways to reduce the financial burden on citizens. The state government has yet to issue a detailed response on the concerns raised, but the issue is likely to remain politically significant as discussions on tariff revisions continue.
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The protest highlights ongoing tensions over cost-of-living issues in the state, with opposition leaders questioning policy decisions and their timing amid broader economic pressures.
