Lucknow: Under the call of the United Kisan Morcha, farmers across Uttar Pradesh staged widespread protests in districts and tehsils, opposing the proposed privatization of the power sector. Protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of the privatization process and raised concerns over its impact on farmers, workers, and common consumers.
In the state capital Lucknow, the demonstration was jointly led by Shailendra Dubey, Provincial Convener of the Vidyut Karmchari Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti, Uttar Pradesh, and Ekadashi Yadav, District President of the United Kisan Morcha. A memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister was submitted to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate at Sadar Tehsil.
The memorandum highlighted several key demands, including adequate compensation for crop losses caused by unseasonal rains, strong winds, and hailstorms; immediate withdrawal of the decision to privatize the Purvanchal and Dakshinanchal Electricity Distribution Corporations; an end to alleged coercive action against protesting electricity employees; and the rollback of the prepaid smart meter system in favour of the earlier postpaid billing system. Farmers also demanded affordable and accessible electricity for both agricultural and domestic use.
At Sadar Tehsil premises, a large gathering of farmers under the joint banner of Krantikari Kisan Union and Annadata Kisan Union raised slogans against privatization, demanding compensation for crop damage and an immediate end to what they termed as repression of workers and farmers. The protesters warned that if their demands are not met soon, a phased and intensified statewide agitation will be launched.
Speaking at the protest, Shailendra Dubey said that electricity employees have been on a prolonged struggle for over 500 days against privatization. He emphasized that the movement is not limited to employees but represents the collective fight of farmers, workers, and consumers to protect public interest. He warned that privatization would lead to a sharp increase in electricity tariffs, making power unaffordable for rural and economically weaker sections.
United Kisan Morcha leaders also criticised the smart prepaid meter system, calling it ineffective and burdensome for consumers due to increased costs and technical issues. They demanded the immediate discontinuation of the system and restoration of a simpler, transparent metering mechanism.
Meanwhile, under the ongoing public awareness campaign launched by the Vidyut Karmchari Sangharsh Samiti since April 16, protest meetings were held at Jawaharpur Thermal Power Plant and in Kasganj–Etah regions. The meetings were addressed by senior committee leaders including Jitendra Singh Gurjar, Mahendra Rai, Mohammad Wasim, and R.C. Pal, who strongly opposed proposals to hand over operations and maintenance of thermal plants like Panki and Jawaharpur to private companies through unified tenders.
The committee announced that a statewide protest will be held on May 13 across all energy corporations, during which employees will wear black armbands while performing duties. A formal notice in this regard has already been submitted to the management.
The programme saw participation from several farmer and employee leaders, including P.K. Dixit, Vishambhar Dayal, Dinesh Kumar Rawat, Gokarn Yadav, Mohammad Hafeez, Mukesh Kumar, Jagdish Prasad, Brahma Devi, Farida, Manju Gautam, Kashiram Gautam, Vivek Kumar, Ramprakash Pal, Hanuman Pal, Girja Shankar Tiwari, and Maniram Rawat, along with a large number of farmers and workers.
Leaders reiterated that the movement will continue to intensify as it represents a struggle to protect public resources, ensure affordable electricity, and safeguard the rights of farmers and workers across the state.
