BSEB Strike Causes Complete Power Outage in Bihar

Patna: Feb. 27, 2007While people of Patna are no strangers to frequent power cuts, even they were not prepared for what transpired on Tuesday when a sudden strike by the electricity board employees caused complete disruption of power in the entire city leaving everyone rushing for candles, lamps, and lanterns.The impact of the strike was so deep that even Patna Junction plunged into darkness stranding several trains on the track for several hours and forcing cancellation of nine regular trains.Except for the houses of the Governor, Chief Minister, and some other high profile leaders including those in opposition, there was not a single locality in Patna where power was not disrupted.Patna High Court, however, was not so lucky. All the works were done under candlelight and flashlights until about 3:00 pm when, much to the relief of judges, lawyers, bailiffs, plaintiffs, and defendants, power was finally restored The strike has been called by the Bihar State Electricity Board (BSEB) Committee of Employees and Engineers.Police resorted to lathi charge to disperse the striking BSEB employees outside Vidyut Bhawan. At least one person was said to be hurt in the incident.Officials said against the normal usage of nearly 1500 MW per day, the state could use only about 20 MW on Tuesday.National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) engineers were scrambling to restore power one grid at a time though until late night, there was no sign of electricity in part of the city.An angry Chief Minister lashed out at the strikers saying they were unnecessary adamant on demands that they knew could not be fulfilled. "Don't force us to deal with the situation with an iron hand," Nitish Kumar warned the agitators saying he would not hesitate in invoking Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) if needed."Instead of creating problems on each step, these people should cooperate with the government in improving the situation in Bihar. If they think by going on strike they can get the government to change its mind on privatization, they are dead wrong," the Chief Minister said.Meanwhile Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders, led by the leader of the Opposition Rabri Devi, demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar."The Chief Minister has gone back on his promises. The entire state has plunged into darkness exposing the real face of the NDA government that is nothing more than a bag of lies and false promises. Instead of holding talks with the striking BSEB employees, the government is deploying Special Auxiliary Police (SAP) to deal with the agitators," she said.