The Bihar Assembly's winter session witnessed heated protests on its fourth day as opposition members demonstrated against the installation of smart meters. Holding posters and shouting slogans, lawmakers criticized the government for allegedly burdening the public with exorbitant electricity bills due to smart meter installations.

RJD MLA Mukesh Roshan highlighted that bills have skyrocketed from ₹200 to ₹2,000 in some cases, disproportionately affecting the poor. He accused the government of forcing the meters onto households despite widespread opposition. However, BJP leader and state minister Dilip Jaiswal dismissed the allegations, claiming smart meters enhance efficiency and ensure accurate billing.

Meanwhile, the electricity department announced incentives for prepaid smart meter users, including interest on balances and discounts for timely bill payments, aiming to encourage adoption.

The controversy over smart meters continues to divide Bihar’s political landscape, with the government defending its move as reformative while opposition parties amplify public grievances.