States » NorthPosted at: Oct 23 2026 3:47PM


Haryana power strike cripples supply, Vij calls unions for 3 pm talks as protests spread

Neeraj Bali
Chandigarh, Oct 23 (UNI) Widespread power outages triggered by a three-day strike of electricity employees continued to disrupt normal life across Haryana on Friday, forcing residents onto the streets, affecting water supply and government services, even as Energy Minister Anil Vij invited protesting unions for crucial talks in Panchkula to resolve the crisis.
The strike, launched against the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission's decision to grant a parallel electricity distribution licence to a private company in Gurugram and Nuh, entered its second day amid mounting public anger.
According to reports, 118 feeders of 33 kV and more than 510 feeders of 11 kV suffered breakdowns on the first day, leaving several residential and commercial areas without electricity for prolonged periods.
In Hisar, residents blocked roads after power supply remained disrupted for nearly 24 hours in several localities. Similar protests erupted in Kurukshetra, while residents in Faridabad staged a demonstration outside the residence of BJP MLA Mool Chand Sharma, complaining of outages exceeding 24 hours.
In Jagadhri, Yamunanagar district, residents of Patri Mohalla carried empty buckets during a protest outside Budia police post, highlighting the drinking water crisis caused by the disruption.
Hansi witnessed extensive outages affecting Model Town, HUDA Sector, Shantiniketan, Roop Nagar and Bhatia Colony. Government offices and the civil hospital operated on generators, while demand for rented generators, batteries, inverters and diesel increased.
In Panipat, electricity disruptions also affected electronic weighing systems, adding to difficulties faced by traders and businesses.
The bar associations of Kurukshetra and Kaithal decided to suspend court work amid the prevailing situation.
Seeking an immediate resolution, Vij appealed to striking employees to return to duty and assured them that the government was prepared to consider all available options, including action under Section 108 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
"I appeal to the striking employees of Haryana to end their strike and return to duty. We are ready to discuss all options, including action under Section 108 of the Electricity Act, 2003," Vij said in a social media post.
The Haryana Electricity Employees and Engineers Joint Struggle Forum accepted the invitation, with its spokesperson Ravinder Ghanghas confirming that union representatives would attend the meeting at the Panchkula rest house at 3 pm.
Vij said he had already discussed the issue with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and was optimistic about an early settlement.
"I have been telling them from the first day that a strike is not the solution. Come to the table, and we will discuss every possible option," the minister said.
He expressed confidence that the strike could end within hours following the discussions.
Additional Chief Secretary Ashima Brar, power distribution corporations' Managing Director I.S. Vikram and Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Managing Director Aditya Dahiya are expected to attend the meeting.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA Ashok Arora questioned the government's role in the regulatory decision and demanded immediate intervention to protect public interests.
In Narnaul, senior district and police officials approached striking employees, seeking at least 15 personnel to help restore essential electricity services.
With outages continuing across several districts, the proposed talks have assumed significance as the government seeks to restore normal power supply and prevent further disruption to essential services.
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Tags: #Haryana power strike cripples supply# Vij calls unions for 3 pm talks as protests spread
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