BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified on Sunday that the decision to increase the power tariff in Karnataka was made by the previous BJP government in April of this year.

"While the power tariff was increased based on the recommendations of the BJP government, they are now spreading false information claiming that the Congress party raised the tariff," Siddaramaiah told reporters during the launch of the Shakti scheme.

Siddaramaiah accused BJP leaders of spreading lies for political gain and urged the media not to align with the BJP in creating further confusion.

On May 12, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) raised the power tariff by 70 paise per unit. The previous government subsequently issued an order implementing the tariff hike retrospectively from April 2023, with charges beginning in June.

"The tariff order was originally intended to be implemented in March/April, but due to the election model code of conduct for the Assembly elections, the KERC postponed its issuance. However, it was finally issued on May 12, 2023, with retrospective effect from April 2023," explained Mahantesh Bilagi, the Managing Director of BESCOM. "Consequently, we are compelled to implement this order, collecting an additional 70 paise per unit starting from June, along with the arrears for the month of April."