Farmer union women stage 28-hour dharna against power cuts in Amethi

Women affiliated with a farmer union are staging an ongoing protest against unannounced power cuts in Amethi district, with their demonstration at the 132 kV electrical substation premises in Gauriganj headquarters now entering its second day. The women have been sitting on dharna at the substation compound for approximately 28 hours.

The protesting women have alleged that the electricity department is carrying out unannounced power cuts, particularly during night hours. According to them, rural areas are receiving proper electricity supply for only three to four hours during the night. The inadequate power supply is causing considerable difficulties for farmers as well as rural families across the district.

The women protesters registered their dissent in a unique manner on Wednesday. They performed a demonstration by playing the dholak inside the electrical substation premises and expressed their anger against the electricity department. Along with this, the women lit a traditional stove inside the substation compound itself, cooked food and ate their meals right there on the protest site.

Those participating in the dharna also spent the night at the electrical substation premises. The women have stated that their dharna-prashdarshan will continue until improvements are made in the electricity supply system in rural areas and the unannounced cuts are stopped.

Throughout the day, a steady presence of people was maintained at the electrical substation premises due to the ongoing dharna. The women have accused the electricity department of slack arrangements and have demanded regular and adequate power supply. It remains to be seen what steps the department takes in response to the demands being raised by the women protesters.

The escalating anger among women associated with the farmer union over unannounced electricity cuts in the district reflects the mounting frustration over the power situation affecting agricultural and domestic activities in rural pockets of Amethi.