LUCKNOW, June 1 -- Scores of activists affiliated with Left-backed organisations staged a protest outside the headquarters of Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (MVVNL) on Sunday, opposing the installation of smart electricity meters, rising power tariffs and what they termed efforts to privatise the power sector.

The demonstration was jointly organised by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI (M), the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), with active participation from the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the Students' Federation of India (SFI). Protesters marched to the venue carrying placards and raising slogans.

The protest was led by CPI(M) district secretary Madhu ...