Congress workers stage protest outside Bhubaneswar TPCODL office over security deposit, smart meters

Tension flared outside the Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) office in Bhubaneswar as the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on Monday staged a protest, opposing the issuance of additional security deposit demand notices and the rollout of smart electricity meters.

The demonstration, led by OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das, briefly escalated into a tense situation after authorities locked the main gate of the power utility’s office to prevent the protesters from entering the premises.

Sources reported that police and administrative officials were deployed to manage the situation as Congress workers attempted to push past the gate, leading to moments of jostling and commotion at the site. Reports also mentioned that the protesters briefly scuffled with police deployed at the site, demanding an entrance to the TPCODL office.

Protest Over Security Deposit And Smart Meters

Addressing party workers during the protest, Das accused the power utility of imposing what he described as an unjust financial burden on electricity consumers. He alleged that consumers were being “forced” to deposit additional security amounts without adequate explanation or prior consultation.

“TPCODL is not listening to the people of the state,” Das said. “They are not halting the security deposit rule, nor are they providing 300 units of free electricity. Even farmers are not getting free power. If this continues, the entire electricity department must be shut down,” he added.

He further warned that the Congress would expand its agitation beyond Bhubaneswar if the demands were not addressed. “If the government and the Tata company do not withdraw these measures, the Congress will take this protest to every village,” Das said.

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The protest comes following the recent issuance of additional security deposit notices by Tata Power’s distribution companies. Earlier this month, many consumers reported receiving SMS alerts asking them to deposit additional amounts worth thousands within a 30-day period.