Prayagraj: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers on Friday staged a demonstration outside the office of the power department near Anglo Bengali Inter College against the severe power crisis, unscheduled power cuts, exorbitant electricity tariffs, and irregularities associated with smart meters in the state.
Memorandum Submitted to Governor
The workers also submitted a memorandum addressed to the Governor to district officials under the leadership of AAP district president Sarvesh Yadav. Yadav stated that the people of the state are suffering due to the power crisis amidst the scorching heat, with reports of power outages emerging from various districts.
Widespread Distress Across Uttar Pradesh
Across the state, including Lucknow, ordinary citizens, farmers, traders, students, and employees are distressed by unscheduled power cuts. Despite paying the highest electricity rates in the country, the people are not receiving adequate or uninterrupted power supply. Yadav remarked that while the state government makes claims about improving the power infrastructure, the ground reality is starkly different. Prolonged power outages in both rural and urban areas have disrupted daily life, affecting industries, businesses, agriculture, and even students.
Demand for Inquiry into Barabanki Incident
Yadav demanded a high-level inquiry into the Barabanki incident in which four family members, sleeping by the roadside due to power cuts, were crushed by a truck. He also demanded compensation for the kin of the deceased. He alleged that while the public demands electricity, water, and other basic amenities, ministers are busy making irresponsible statements instead of resolving the issues.
Smart Meter Irregularities
Highlighting problems faced by power consumers due to smart meters, he said that complaints regarding fake billing, incorrect readings, and inflated electricity bills are continuously pouring in from across the state. Lakhs of consumers are falling victim to financial exploitation, yet their grievances are not being addressed.
Protest and Slogans
During the protest, activists raised slogans against the state government and demanded uninterrupted power. They also raised a demand for an impartial inquiry into smart meters.
