Prolonged electricity cuts in Punjab cities as mercury soars put AAP govt on defensive

Prolonged electricity cuts in key cities have put Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on the defensive, with Opposition parties sharpening their attack on the administration, even as temperatures continue to soar across the State.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Punjab saw dry weather conditions on April 23, with Bathinda recording the highest maximum temperature in the State at 42.8°C. The IMD in its forecast has predicted a gradual rise in maximum temperature by 2-3°C during the next four days. In Punjab, heatwave conditions are likely to prevail at isolated places on April 24 and 25, and the average maximum temperature has been appreciably above normal, which is likely to be normal to above normal over the State during this week. in the State, the IMD said.