Shiv Sena leaders staged a protest on Monday at the office of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) in Kalyan, opposing the installation of smart electricity meters and demanding immediate action to address frequent power outages affecting residents across the city.
A delegation led by Shiv Sena city president Ravi Patil met the Executive Engineer and conveyed public resentment over the ongoing smart meter rollout. Party leaders claimed that the decision has created confusion and dissatisfaction among consumers, with many fearing inflated electricity bills and an additional financial burden.
Speaking to officials, Patil said residents across Kalyan are increasingly frustrated by recurring power failures and an erratic electricity supply. He told the media that women party workers, angered by the administration's failure to address the issue, threw bangles at officials as a symbolic protest against repeated outages.
“The women office-bearers are themselves facing the consequences of frequent power cuts. Throwing bangles was their reaction to the continued inaction despite repeated complaints from citizens,” Patil said.
The Shiv Sena delegation alleged that several areas in Kalyan, including Mohane and surrounding localities, have been witnessing regular power interruptions, causing inconvenience to households, businesses, and students. The party demanded that MSEDCL immediately resolve the issue and ensure an uninterrupted power supply.
The protest also focused on the smart meter project, with Shiv Sena strongly opposing what it described as the forced installation of the devices. Party leaders expressed concerns over the possibility of higher electricity bills and urged the authority to halt the implementation.
Warning of a larger agitation, Shiv Sena leaders said that if the mandatory installation of smart meters is not stopped, the party will launch an intensified movement along with Kalyan residents. “If MSEDCL continues to ignore citizens' concerns, Shiv Sena will be compelled to launch a strong public agitation with the support of Kalyankars,” the leaders said.
The protest was attended by several Shiv Sena corporators and office-bearers, including KDMC Mayor Harshali Chaudhari, who joined the delegation in submitting a memorandum to power utility officials.
MSEDCL officials assured the delegation that the concerns raised regarding power supply disruptions and smart meters would be communicated to higher authorities for appropriate action.
