MNS threatens stir if power tariff cut for malls not revoked

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has threatened to shut down malls and multiplexes across the state from Thursday if power tariff concessions offered to these commercial centers were not rolled back.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has threatened to shut down malls and multiplexes across the state from Thursday if power tariff concessions offered to these commercial centers were not rolled back.

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MNS chief Raj Thackeray said “Power tariff for the common man has gone up by four percent but discounts are being given to malls, theatres and construction sites of builders, just ahead of the assembly polls.”

The Maharashtra Energy Regulatory Commission (MERC) on Friday approved of a hike in non-commercial power tariffs by 4 percent, while those of malls and multiplexes were brought down substantially to Rs 7.15 per unit from Rs 12.25 per unit. Mahavitaran had proposed the tariff for this category to be Rs.9.81. However, the commission has reduced the same to Rs 7.15 per unit thereby granting benefit to the malls and multiplexes.

Thackeray did not rule out using strong-arm tactics while enforcing the closure of these centers. “If they do not understand civil language, then they will have to be dealt in a different way,” he said.

Dharmesh Jain, Managing Director, Nirmal Lifestyle, which has a mall at Mulund refused to comment. “I am not aware of the issue,” said Jain.