UP Minister AK Sharma Faces Backlash For Chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' Amid Power Cut Complaints In Sultanpur

Sultanpur: Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister AK Sharma faced backlash after responding to complaints about severe power cuts in Sultanpur with religious chants instead of solutions. A viral video shows traders pleading for relief from 3-hour daily electricity supply, only for Sharma to chant "Jai Shri Ram" and drive away without addressing concerns.

The incident highlights UP’s worsening power crisis, with rural areas receiving barely 3 hours of electricity amid scorching heat. Local traders submitted a four-point demand including grid upgrades and separate feeders, but have received  no assurances. "Does chanting solve blackouts?" asked a shopkeeper.

सुल्तानपुर जिले के सूरापुर (बिजेथुआ हनुमान धाम) के नजदीक कल हमारे प्रवास के समय कुछ लोगों ने रोककर सम्मान किया। साथ ही बिजली से संबंधित समस्याएं भी बतायीं। उनकी बातों को धैर्य, ध्यान एवं सौम्यतापूर्वक सुना गया और उचित कार्यवाही का आश्वासन भी दिया गया।

उस जिले में विद्युत… pic.twitter.com/dx2hlYgOQg

— A K Sharma (@aksharmaBharat) July 10, 2025

Opposition parties slammed the BJP government’s "failure" to boost capacity. "No new power plants in a decade, only privatization benefiting cronies," said Congress spokesperson Anshu Awasthi. AAP shared the video, mocking the minister’s "escape from accountability."

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Officials claim infrastructure upgrades are underway, but with privatisation plans advancing, residents fear prolonged outages. As anger grows, the episode risks becoming emblematic of the government’s perceived disconnect from ground realities.