In a dramatic protest against persistent power failures, a Congress legislator in Uttarakhand took matters into his own hands, literally climbing an electricity pole to disconnect supply to the homes of government officials. The incident, which highlights public frustration over unreliable electricity in Haridwar, has now led to a formal police complaint against the MLA.
MLA Takes Extreme Step Amid Public Anger
The unusual protest was staged by Congress MLA Virendra Jati. Fed up with the frequent and prolonged power cuts plaguing his constituency in Haridwar, Jati resorted to direct action. He personally climbed an electricity pole and severed the connections supplying power to the residences of several local officials. This act was intended as a symbolic demonstration, forcing the officials to experience the same hardships faced daily by the common citizens they serve.
Official Backlash and Police Complaint
The response from the authorities was swift. The local electricity department did not take the MLA's actions lightly. Following the incident, department officials lodged a formal complaint against Virendra Jati at the Roorkee Civil Lines Police Station. The complaint, filed on 25 December 2025, sets the stage for a potential legal confrontation between the elected representative and the state utility. This move underscores the tension between public representatives demanding better services and the administration's procedural protocols.
A Symptom of a Larger Problem
This event is not an isolated act but a symptom of deep-seated public discontent. Frequent power outages in various parts of Uttarakhand, especially during peak seasons, have been a long-standing grievance. While MLAs and MPs often raise these issues in assemblies or through official letters, Jati's method of protest is notably unorthodox. It brings into sharp focus the failure of routine administrative channels to address chronic infrastructure problems. The incident raises questions about service delivery and accountability in the power sector.
The aftermath of this protest will be closely watched. It remains to be seen how the police will proceed with the complaint and whether this drastic action will spur the electricity department to expedite improvements in Haridwar's power supply infrastructure. For now, the story of an MLA turning into a vigilante linesman has captured public attention, symbolizing the extreme frustration over essential service failures.
