Odisha Energy Minister’s residence gheraoed over erratic power supply

The activists of Naba Nirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan on Saturday gheraoed the residents of Odisha Energy Minister Pratap Keshari Deb alleging frequent power cuts across the state. The activists of the organisation raised slogans against Tata Power for failing to provide uninterrupted power supply.

“Odisha is a power surplus state. But things have become worse as there are rampant power cuts in the state which have compounded the miseries of the people in this gruelling heat and humid conditions," said a protestor.

The Naba Nirman Yuva Chhatra Sanganthan is also demanding the resignation of the Minister over his claims of no power cut in the state.

“Rs 20,000 crore was sanctioned for the development of infrastructure and additional funds were sanctioned for underground cabling work in Bhubaneswar. But it still failed to provide power to us," said a protestor.

The protesters also demanded free electricity of 200 units per household and free power for agriculture sector in the state. Later, the protestors were taken away from the spot by police personnel after a minor scuffle.

“We had come to question the minister over power cut. But police took us. We will intensify our agitation in coming days,” another agitator said.