Power tariff bandh evokes lukewarm response

The bandh called by power consumers across Odisha demanding immediate rollback of tariff hike and audit by CAG of accounts of electricity distribution companies evoked lukewarm response today.

The dawn-to-dusk shut-down called by Bidyut Upabhokta Mahasangh and backed by opposition political parties and labour unions remained peaceful with protesters staging demonstrations in different places, police said.

"Increase in power tariff announced recently must be rolled back forthwith to safeguard the interest of the poor and farmers," Mahasangh President Panchanan Kanungo said.