The Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL) on 2 June said that it had decided to hike the monthly tariff for electricity consumption. 

In regards to this, Assam Assembly speaker Biswajit Daimary said one who cannot afford the hike in the monthly tariff can "sit under a tree".

“The electricity tariff has increased. Don’t switch on the fans if you cannot afford it. Sit under a tree,” Daimary advises people reacting to the hike. 

“The price of electricity is not dependent on the govt. Since the govt purchases electricity from companies and companies increases the price, it's not in our hands,” the BJP leader said.

Daimary further asked the people not to make an issue out of it and instead, try to control the usage to keep their bills to a minimum. 

The statement received a lot of backlash from the general public such as calling the advice of the BJP leader as inappropriate and demanded for an alternative suggestion to this. 

Some social media users advised back to the BJP leader saying the government can use the place the under the shade of tree for official meetings and assemblies too instead of sitting in an air conditioned room.

While some said, due to the rapid development in the state especially in the Guwahati city, there are no trees left in the city. For someone to sit under a tree, one has to travel a long way which will again lead to increase in transportation cost. 

Amidst these criticisms and backlash, some appreciated the politician's advice and even made memes, posted pictures under a tree and took the statement lightly.

The statement also received criticism and backlash from not just the general public but the opposition party as well.

Assam Congress president, Bhupen Kumar Borah slammed the Speaker and questions the BJP govt saying, are they taking Assam back to the Stone Age?

“Our forefathers sat under a tree to enjoy the breeze but the Congress rule ushered in the era of living under lights and fans for relief from the summer heat. Will the BJP now make us go back to the Stone Age?” he asked.

(With inputs from The Hindu)