Leading Hindi daily Hindustan on Thursday highlighted the power-related problems in Agra by organising a discussion and a motorcycle rally, in which corporators, other political leaders and students participated heavily.
The programme was organised under the banner “Bijli Mera Haq” (electricity is my right). Students raised slogans against discrepancies in billing and assessment by the power firm concerned and called upon the people in Agra to support the campaign.
“Executives (of the power firm) are not at all cooperating with the residents. It is the need of the hour that the whole city comes in support of the initiative ‘Bijli Mera Haq’ by Hindustan,” said Nirvesh Sharma, city unit president of the Samajwadi Party Chatra Sabha.
Brijesh Sharma of the Youth Congress said since Hindustan was fighting for people’s rights, it was their duty and responsibility to be part of the campaign.
Those taking part in the rally included leaders of various students’ organisations of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar University.
Corporator Umesh Jain questioned the power firm’s move to lodge FIRs against consumers despite it was itself at fault.
{{/usCountry}}Corporator Umesh Jain questioned the power firm’s move to lodge FIRs against consumers despite it was itself at fault.
{{/usCountry}}Hindustan resident editor Pushpendra Sharma assured taking up the suggestions with the authorities concerned.
Hindustan had done the campaign ‘Kyun Batti Gul’ (why has light vanished?) during the summer months of 2012, a step that was welcomed by the people, who had then also come out in substantial support.
“It was one of its kind campaigns that led to major decisions, including creating an ombudsman,” said Rohit Pal Singh, a lawyer.