Port Blair, Apr 29: The CPI (M) today staged a mass demonstration in front of the office of the Superintending Engineer, Electricity Department at Port Blair against the frequent power disruptions in the Port Blair town and rural South Andaman areas.
Taking into consideration the social distancing norms only a limited number of party leaders and workers participated in the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M), A&N State Organising Committee criticized the central government and A&N Administration for the present electricity crisis in the Islands.
He alleged that the BJP-led government is going to privatize the Electricity Department of A&N Islands in the name of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He said that the power crisis are created to favour the privatization of the Electricity Department. The BJP-led government could not do anything in their 8 years of rule since 2014 to improve the power generation in A&N Islands. “The big projects announced by the Prime Minister and the government remained only on paper,” he alleged.
He said that people and students particularly are facing tribulation due to the unscheduled and unannounced power cuts throughout the day and night.
Board examinations are proceeding and the government has no concern for the future of the students. He said that the business community, media, office work, banking and insurance sector are all adversely affected due to the continuous power disruption.
Addressing the participants, Mr. B. Chandachoodan, State Secretariat Member said that the present situation is the outcome of inefficient handling by the A&N Administration and its Electricity Department.
Mr. D. Laxman Rao, State Secretariat Member demanded immediate steps to ensure uninterrupted power supply. CPI (M) leaders Dr. Gouranga Majhi, Mr. SP Kalairajan and Mr. P. Banerjee were also present during the protest.
