AAP Gujarat raises alarm over smart meter installations, urges residents to stay alert

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Gujarat has raised concerns over the installation of smart meters across the state, following remarks by the Energy Minister that the devices “will definitely be installed” regardless of public opinion.

Reacting to the statement, AAP State President Isudan Gadhvi said, “The Energy Minister has openly declared, ‘Do whatever you want, smart meters will be installed anyway.’ We know very well that you are brokers for private companies and that you never think about the people.”

Gadhvi claimed that many residents have reported increased electricity bills following smart meter installation and raised concerns about a potential shift to advance prepaid systems in the future. “There are many families who do not even have the money to pay their electricity bills. People have already paid for their existing meters, and now you want to replace them with smart meters and charge them again,” he said.

He further stated that no official circular mandates smart meters and advised residents that they have the right to refuse installation at their homes. “Wherever the Aam Aadmi Party is informed, it will stand with the people in this fight against smart meters,” Gadhvi added.

Gadhvi alleged that in several locations, smart meters were installed without prior consent, with residents later being told that old meters were no longer available. He described the initiative as a “conspiracy of the BJP and the Gujarat government” and claimed similar practices are occurring in other parts of India. According to him, the move could lead to the collection of advance deposits worth crores and a shift to prepaid electricity systems, which may increase bills for consumers.

He also questioned the timing of the campaign, suggesting it could resume after local elections. “If you do not want smart meters, then defeat BJP in this election. If BJP wins in taluka panchayats, district panchayats, municipalities, or municipal corporations, smart meters will be brought to your homes the very next day. Then looting will begin, prepaid systems will be imposed, and inflated bills will follow,” Gadhvi said.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and contact AAP wherever smart meters are being installed against their wishes, assuring that party workers will support them.