The VVIP constituency of Varanasi, represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha, will henceforth get 24-hour power supply. Uninterrupted supply will be a welcome change for the people of Varanasi, who are used more to power cuts than electricity supply in the hot summer months when day temperatures soar to above 42 degrees Celsius.
The decision on Varanasi comes even as Uttar Pradesh is reeling under severe power crisis.
The orders for 24-hour power supply to Varanasi were issued by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav after his meeting with BJP MLA from Varanasi, Shyam Dev Roy Chowdhary, and former Lucknow MP, Lalji Tandon, on Monday. Mr. Chowdhary recently observed a fast in Varanasi in protest against poor power supply in the ancient city which is facing six to eight-hour power cuts.
Defending his decision, Mr. Yadav said that apart from being a religious and cultural centre, Varanasi was also a centre of learning and education.
