Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh: In a shocking reflection of the ongoing electricity crisis, a family in Jhansi has resorted to sleeping inside an ATM kiosk to escape the sweltering summer heat and persistent power outages. A video of the family—comprising two women and their children—resting inside the air-conditioned ATM has gone viral, triggering widespread discussion and political criticism.
According to local sources, frequent and prolonged power cuts across Jhansi have made it nearly impossible for residents to sleep indoors during the night. In response, one family, unable to bear the rising temperatures and lack of ventilation, noticed a nearby ATM with functioning lights and decided to spend the night there. The ATM’s cooler interior offered much-needed relief, prompting the family to return night after night with blankets in hand.
In UP's Jhansi, locals struggling with massive power cuts for the past month have now sought refuge at an ATM. pic.twitter.com/hszYyc67pN
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) May 20, 2025
The video, initially shared by bystanders on social media, quickly gained traction and eventually caught the attention of Samajwadi Party chief and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. In a strongly worded post, Yadav slammed the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government and the stte electricity department, accusing them of gross negligence and failure to ensure basic utilities during a severe heatwave.
A woman resting with her family in the ATM claims they have reeling under massive power cuts for the past month. pic.twitter.com/oRTrAmq3vA
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) May 20, 2025
The family has reportedly been struggling for weeks, citing instances of their children frequently waking up due to heat and discomfort. With no stable power supply and no government intervention, they say sleeping in the ATM was their only option.
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