Odisha BJP ups the ante against power cuts, launches state-wide protest

The Odisha unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) upped the ante against ‘unannounced power cuts’ and took to the streets on Thursday.

The BJP staged protests in at least three districts to corner the Odisha government over power cuts.

In Balasore, BJP members staged a protest at Balia.

“Even the President of India witnessed power failure during her programme at Baripada recently. So, there is no bigger proof that power outages happen in Odisha. This will be the ultimate battle. BJP will fight for the people until justice is served,” said BJP’s Balasore District President, Umakanta Mohapatra.

“The State government is shielding Tata Power unduly. We will not stop until the government scraps its license,” said Mohapatra.

Down South in Koraput, BJP members launched protests at several places in the district including Jeypore, Kotpad, Sunabeda and Semiliguda.

“It is like darkness under the lamp here. Despite electricity being generated here, we are facing frequent power cuts,” said a protesting BJP member.

Another protester said, “The State government has signed a secret kickback agreement and in return, the government is shielding Tata Power from public ire.”

Similarly, the BJP staged a protest in the Western Odisha district of Bargarh as well. Members of the saffron party led by MP Suresh Pujari held a meeting and protested in front of the local electricity office at Bargarh.

The protesters demanded an uninterrupted power supply in Bargarh and threatened to intensify the protest if their demands are not met.

No comments have been received from the State Government & Tata Power sources.