Patnagarh: BJP activists led by MLA KV Singhdeo today staged a sit-in in-front of the local electricity office here in Bolangir district in protest against frequent power cuts in the area.
The protesters alleged that normal life has been miserably affected due to undeclared power cuts even as the mercury hovers around 45 degrees C in the district.
“The Energy minister is repeatedly saying that there would be no power cut in the State this summer. Bolangir is known as the hottest place in the state. But, power cut has become a regular affair here. So, we have staged a dharna today protesting government’s false announcement and assurances”, Singhdeo said.
“It is even more surprising that no official from the department has come to address the issue even though we had given a prior notice to them regarding our agitation”, he added.
Energy minister Prafulla Mallik said "Chief Engineer has been asked to resolve the issue and cooperate with consumers. A toll-free number will be introduced soon to receive complaints on electricity problems",