Tamil Nadus Electricity Crisis Sparks Political Controversy as Palaniswami Accuses Government of Mismanagement

Salem, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has intensified political criticism against the Tamil Nadu government, accusing it of deliberately creating electricity shortages to justify purchasing power at inflated rates. Speaking to reporters in Omalur, Salem, on Wednesday, he highlighted the government’s decision to buy electricity at ₹35 per unit, labeling it a “massive corruption scandal” under Chief Minister MK Stalin’s leadership.

Palaniswami pointed out that no other state in India has purchased electricity at such high prices, contrasting Tamil Nadu’s rates with Andhra Pradesh, which acquired power at ₹15 to ₹20 per unit in October. He recalled that Stalin had previously condemned the former DMK government’s rate of ₹20 per unit as corrupt.

He questioned the rationale behind the current government’s choice to buy electricity at such exorbitant rates, especially when the electricity sector is already burdened with debt. “The government is creating an artificial shortage and purchasing power at excessively high prices,” he asserted.

In light of recent by-elections, Palaniswami cast doubt on the significance of the Tamilaga Vetrikazhagam (TVK) party’s victory, noting that the ruling party did not win by a large margin. He alleged that the TVK secured its win through the misuse of funds and government resources, rather than adhering to democratic principles. He mentioned that even communist leaders accused the TVK of distributing money during the campaign, while some parties that supported the TVK coalition contested against it in the by-elections.

Criticizing the government’s approach to rising prices, Palaniswami claimed that no effective measures have been taken to control the increasing costs of rice and vegetables. He noted that the Food Minister has consistently denied the price hikes, blaming the administration for a lack of planning.

On irrigation issues, he stated that water released from the Mettur Dam has not reached farmers, preventing them from reaping expected benefits. He also condemned the TVK’s attempts to attract members from other parties, questioning their political dependency on the coalition.

Referring to CM Stalin’s earlier criticisms of the DMK alliance during election campaigns, Palaniswami remarked that the current government is supported by the very political group it once attacked. He accused the ruling party of being preoccupied with maintaining power rather than addressing pressing issues.