Ranchi, April 17: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged protests across Jharkhand on Friday in response to the deteriorating electricity supply and recent rate hikes. Following the party’s call, workers gathered at district headquarters in front of the Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) offices, chanting slogans against the government.
In Ranchi, a significant number of activists participated in a sit-in outside the JBVNL general manager’s office in Kusai Colony, led by local MLA C.P. Singh and Hatia MLA and party whip Naveen Jaiswal.
During the rally, speakers raised concerns about ongoing power cuts and the alleged irregular billing following the installation of smart meters. Addressing the crowd, MLA C.P. Singh highlighted that consumers in Ranchi have been enduring prolonged power outages amid the sweltering heat, while alternative arrangements are being made for the influential class.
He noted that this issue was raised in the assembly, but instead of improvement, electricity rates were increased. MLA Naveen Jaiswal added that consumers in both urban and rural areas are facing distress.
He accused the authorities of causing uncontrolled increases in electricity bills after replacing old meters with smart ones. According to him, despite numerous complaints, no improvements have been made, and actions such as disconnecting services for outstanding dues are being taken. He warned that if their demands are not addressed, the party would escalate its protests.
Under the direction of state president Aditya Sahu, BJP workers led by various leaders staged protests in Khunti, Gumla, Lohardaga, Jamshedpur, Palamu, Garhwa, Koderma, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Jamtara, Deoghar, Godda, Dumka, and Pakur.
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