AAP stages protestover power outages

Prayagraj: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers on Friday staged a demonstration outside the office of 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.The workers also submitted a memorandum, addressed to Governor, to district officials under the leadership of AAP district president Sarvesh Yadav.Yadav said that the people of the state are suffering due to the power crisis amidst the scorching heat. Reports of power outages are emerging from various districts. 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. He remarked that while the state govt 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.He demanded a high-level inquiry into Barabanki incident in which four family members, sleeping by the roadside due to power cuts, were crushed by a truck. He also demanded compensation to 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.Highlighting problems being faced by power consumers by the 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.During the protest, activists raised slogans against the state govt and demanded uninterrupted power. The also raised demand for impartial inquiry into smart meters.