'Tamraj Adityanath': SP Stages Cinematic Protest Over Smart Meters in Unnao
Samajwadi Party workers in Unnao stage a cinematic protest against smart meters and rising electricity bills under the Yogi Adityanath government.
The streets of Unnao witnessed a dramatic showdown on October 16, 2026, as Samajwadi Party (SP) workers launched a cinematic protest against the Yogi Adityanath-led government. The demonstration focused on the widespread public outcry over the installation of smart meters and the subsequent surge in electricity costs, turning a policy dispute into a theatrical political statement.
A Shaktimaan-Inspired Attack
Led by Aanchal Verma, a prominent woman SP leader and former candidate for the Mohan assembly constituency, the protesters didn't just march; they used pop-culture imagery to deliver their message. Demonstrators carried posters of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with the caption 'Tamraj Adityanath - Andhera Kayam Rahe'.
The caption is a direct nod to Tamraj Kilvish, the iconic villain from the 1990s hit TV show Shaktimaan, whose catchphrase "Andhera Kayam Rahe" (Let darkness prevail) became synonymous with evil. By drawing this parallel, the SP workers aimed to portray the government's electricity policies as a source of "darkness" for the common man.
Candles, Chants, and Chaos
The protest took a poignant turn as participants sat on the road and lit candles, symbolizing the struggle of citizens facing power woes. The air was filled with aggressive slogans, including:
- "O Zalim kab tak zulm karega, chappa-chappa goonj uthega" (O tyrant, how long will you oppress, every inch will echo)
- "Mehngi bijli wapas lo" (Take back expensive electricity)
- "Smart meter wapas lo" (Take back smart meters)
The Smart Meter Crisis in Unnao
The root of the unrest lies in the rapid rollout of smart meters in the district. To date, approximately 1.2 lakh smart meters have been installed in Unnao, but the transition has been fraught with technical and financial grievances.
Surging Bills and Technical Glitches
Residents have voiced severe frustration, claiming that their electricity bills have skyrocketed—sometimes two to three times higher than before—even though their actual power consumption has remained unchanged. Beyond the costs, the public has reported a slew of technical failures, including:
- Frequent, unannounced power outages.
- Persistent server failures that disrupt service.
- Instances where meters show negative balances immediately after a user has recharged their account.
Automatic Disconnections and Local Conflict
One of the most contentious features of the new system is the automatic disconnection of power supply upon non-payment. This "instant cut" mechanism has reportedly led to numerous disputes and tensions within the local community, as households are left in the dark without warning.
Administration's Response
As the situation escalated throughout the year, the local administration attempted to mitigate the anger. In May 2026, Unnao District Magistrate Ghanshyam Meena established a 24/7 control room specifically designed to handle electricity-related complaints from the public. However, the recent Samajwadi Party protest suggests that for many residents, these measures have been insufficient to address the systemic issues of the smart meter rollout.