Congress Launches Statewide Protest In UP Over Power Cuts, Privatization & Urea Shortage

Lucknow: Amid growing public frustration, the Congress party launched a statewide protest across Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, targeting persistent power outages, the looming threat of electricity privatization, and scarcity of urea fertilizer. Demonstrations were held at district, tehsil, and block headquarters, with party leaders submitting memoranda highlighting citizens’ grievances.

UP Congress chief Ajay Rai said the movement reflects mounting public anger. “This government has failed to provide basic services. Privatization of electricity and fertilizer shortages are breaking the back of farmers and the poor,” he stated.

The protests come at a time when the state is already witnessing a wave of unrest. Several power sector employees have been suspended following outages during official events, and public outrage has grown over reports of forced smart meter installations and arbitrary firings of outsourced workers.

In parallel, Congress is preparing to contest upcoming panchayat elections independently. Leaders say the rural polls will serve as a launchpad for the 2027 assembly campaign.

The opposition's offensive appears to be gaining momentum, with unrest spreading from urban power corridors to rural farmlands.

PIC A K SHARMA

Minister Under Siege

Energy Minister A.K. Sharma was confined to his residence for over two hours as power workers gheraoed the building, shouting “Resign!” The minister emerged only under police protection, hands folded, as protestors denounced his privatization drive. The protest was led by the Vidyut Karmachari Sangharsh Samiti.

PIC POLIC

Police Threaten Protestors

A viral video from Kanpur shows Inspector Dinesh Singh Bisht threatening villagers protesting power cuts: “You won’t find a way to escape, remember my name.” FIRs have been filed against 300 villagers. The Samajwadi Party slammed the incident, saying “asking for electricity is now a crime in Yogi’s rule.”

Police Threaten Protestors

A viral video from Kanpur shows Inspector Dinesh Singh Bisht threatening villagers protesting power cuts: “You won’t find a way to escape, remember my name.” FIRs have been filed against 300 villagers. The Samajwadi Party slammed the incident, saying “asking for electricity is now a crime in Yogi’s rule.”