UP power employees to launch Jail Bharo Andolan against discom privatisation
The decision was taken unanimously at a 'Bijli Mahapanchayat' convened under the banner of the Vidyut Karmachari Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti, UP, where leaders from electricity employees' unions, railway federations, state employee associations, farmers' groups, and consumer organisations pledged joint resistance against the proposed move.
Railway union leader Shiv Gopal Mishra warned that if privatisation is imposed, railway workers across India would stand in solidarity with electricity employees and join them in court arrests. Farmer leader Darshan Pal and Transparency International's Ramanath Jha, addressing the gathering virtually, also extended their full support. Several state employees' associations, engineers' groups, and teachers' unions declared solidarity with the agitation.
The Mahapanchayat announced a nationwide protest on July 2, followed by a one-day symbolic strike on July 9, involving 27 lakh power sector employees.
'If tenders are floated, we will launch an indefinite work boycott and a Jail Bharo andolan in UP with full support from farmers and consumers,' said Sangharsh Samiti convenor Shailendra Dubey.
Speakers at the event described the privatisation of power utilities as a threat to national security, citing the example of Operation Sindoor in Jammu & Kashmir, during which uninterrupted power supply was maintained despite drone attacks, thanks to government-managed electricity services. Alleging large-scale corruption behind the privatisation push, they demanded a CBI probe into alleged irregularities involving power sector transactions and officials.
The gathering also pointed to failed privatisation efforts in Agra and other cities, claiming that Torrent Power alone defaulted on payments of ₹ 2,200 crore in Agra. Speakers warned that the extension of this 'failed model' to Purvanchal and Dakshinanchal would adversely affect poor and middle-class consumers across 42 districts.
The Mahapanchayat resolved to continue the agitation until the privatisation proposal is withdrawn, warning that any attempt to suppress the movement would trigger widespread protests across the state.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
3 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
UP CM attacks Cong, other oppn parties on Malegaon case, Op Sindoor
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday attacked Congress and other opposition parties stating that as soon as the truth in the Malegaon case came to light, Congress's conspiracies were exposed. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and other BJP leaders at a party meeting in Lucknow on August 3. (HT photo) He was speaking at the BJP's organisational meeting held at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan to discuss the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign and other organisational matters. Addressing the gathering, the CM said those who branded the saffron as a symbol of terror, thereby tarnishing the country's faith, now stand exposed before the public. He was referring to the special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court's acquittal of all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. On the occasion, Yogi also targeted Congress and opposition accusing them of spreading misinformation about 'Operation Sindoor'. 'The opposition is acting as a shield for anti-national forces,' he said. The CM also described the voter revision campaign as the foundation of democracy, emphasising that the task is not just an administrative process but also a political responsibility. He urged every BJP worker to ensure that no eligible voter is left out from their booths' voter list, saying adding young voters who have turned 18 is a sign of organisational maturity. On the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign from August 13 to 15, CM Yogi asserted that the campaign and the mantra of 'Swadeshi Products in Every Hand' are crucial steps towards realising the vision of a self-reliant India. He called upon the workers to join the campaign by hoisting the Triranga at their homes, taking selfies, engaging people and promoting local crafts by adopting swadeshi products like ODOP. This, he said, is the most powerful way to economically strengthen India and give a strong response to those who try to blackmail the nation. The CM was referring to the trade tariff sanctions imposed by US President Donald Trump on India. BJP state chief Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary said the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has become a powerful expression of national patriotism. 'This campaign aims to awaken every citizen's sense of pride, faith, and responsibility towards the nation,' he said. Chaudhary criticised the opposition for spreading lies and negativity while the BJP government worked tirelessly for public welfare. He urged BJP workers to engage wholeheartedly in the voter revision campaign, keeping in mind the upcoming elections. Also speaking on the occasion, deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya described the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign as a national revolution of patriotism. He said the campaign has become a powerful medium to connect every individual with reverence, faith, and self-pride towards the Triranga. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign is a national festival marking the spirit of patriotism. It's not just about hoisting flags but a medium to spread India's identity, unity and self-respect to every home, Pathak added. He emphasised that a BJP worker is not just a representative of the organisation but a carrier of the consciousness of nation-building. 'By taking the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign to every village and city, workers must ensure that the Tiranga, a symbol of India's honour and glory, is established in every citizen's heart and home,' Pathak said. The meeting was attended by senior BJP leaders, including state general secretary (organisation) Dharmpal Singh, national co-convenor of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign Rituraj Sinha and national convenor of the election contact campaign Om Pathak. Party's state general secretary Govind Narayan Shukla conducted the meeting.
Hans India
3 minutes ago
- Hans India
PM Modi, Amit Shah meet President Murmu separately
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday called on President Droupadi Murmu separately within hours at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here. It was not known the reasons behind the subsequent meetings of the prime minister and the home minister with the President. "Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan," the Rashtrapati Bhavan said on 'X'. Hours later, the Rashtrapati Bhavan again wrote on 'X', "Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan." The home minister also wrote on 'X' sharing a picture of his meeting with President Murmu. "Called on Hon'ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji at Rashtrapati Bhavan." However, there is no words so far from the prime minister's office. This was the first meeting of the prime minister with the President after his recent visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives. The meetings came against the backdrop of the logjam in Parliament over the Opposition's demand for a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar ahead of the assembly elections in the state. Except discussions in both Houses on Operation Sindoor, Parliament has seen little business ever since the Monsoon session began on July 21. Also, the Lok Sabha last week approved the extension of the President's rule in Manipur for six more months, while the Rajya Sabha is yet to take up the motion for discussion. The President's rule was imposed in the Northeastern state on February 13. The prime minister's meeting with the President also came days after US President Donald Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on exports from India and an unspecified penalty because of New Delhi's purchases of Russian military equipment and oil. The meetings also came nearly two weeks after Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21 tendered his resignation as vice president to the President citing health grounds. The vice president also functions as the chairman of Rajya Sabha. The Election Commission last week announced that election of vice president will take place on September 9. The electoral college for the vice-presidential election comprises all elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha and all members of the Lok Sabha.
Hans India
33 minutes ago
- Hans India
BJP Launches Griha Maha Sampark Abhiyan in Rajoli to Highlight Central Government Achievements
Gadwal: As part of the Griha Maha Sampark Abhiyan, village-level outreach programs are being actively carried out following the directions of the BJP state leadership and under the guidance of Palamuru MP DK Aruna. A major outreach initiative was conducted in Rajoli Mandal headquarters, Jogulamba Gadwal District, under the leadership of BJP Mandal President K. Shashikumar. As part of this program, BJP leaders and activists visited every house in Vivek Nagar Colony, Rajoli village, to raise awareness among the public about the progress achieved under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance. Former MP of Nagarkurnool, Potuganti Ramulu, who was the chief guest at the event, highlighted the significant achievements of the Modi government. He spoke about key historic decisions and welfare measures such as: Abrogation of Article 370 Ban on Triple Talaq Construction of the Ram Mandir Surgical Strikes and Operation Sindoor Swift and effective COVID-19 vaccine rollout Distribution of free ration Development of CC roads, drainage systems, toilets, and Anganwadi center funding Provision of Mudra loans, Vishwakarma loans, Farmer platforms, Vaikuntha Dhamams, and Palle Prakruthi Vanams Implementation of PM Kisan scheme A strong, uncompromising stand on national security He criticized the Congress Party for making deceptive promises and failing to implement any effective schemes. He urged the public to teach the Congress a lesson in the upcoming local body elections by voting for BJP candidates in ZPTC and MPTC polls. District Local Bodies Election Convenor S. Ramachandra Reddy called on all BJP booth presidents, mandal, district, and state leaders to select polling booths and visit at least 100 houses each between August 3rd and 5th. He encouraged them to educate people about the achievements of the central government, expose the failures of Congress, and highlight the corruption of BRS. He appealed to voters to support BJP candidates in the local elections. The event saw participation from senior leaders including: Rajagopal, Alampur BJP MLA contestant Sanjeev Reddy, Nageshwar Reddy Rajasekhar Sharma, BJYM State Vice President Gopalakrishna Bhagat Reddy, Nagaraj, Narasimhulu, Govindarajulu, Tirupati, Ramesh Babu, Bheemanna, Gattu Ramu, Chinnappa, Veeresh, Mahesh, Kuruv Mahesh, Maddileti Ramu, Konkati Ramu, Narasimhulu, Vijay, Uppala Shankar, and others. The program served to boost grassroots awareness and BJP's visibility ahead of the local body elections.
