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Tamil Nadu Minister Nirmal Kumar denied allegations of mismanagement and irregularities in the distribution of passes for the Kumbhabhishekam of the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple held yesterday.
Speaking to reporters after chairing a review meeting with Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers of TANGEDCO's distribution wing at the Electricity Board Headquarters on Anna Salai, the Minister said, "The Kumbhabhishekam was held very well. I did not give passes to anyone; even my family members did not attend the event. The passes were issued by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. As usual, some people belonging to the DMK are making allegations because the event was held successfully." Responding to questions on the power shortage, Nirmal Kumar said steps were being taken to address the deficit through purchases from the common pool. "There is a 16-hour power cut in states like Punjab. All states are facing similar power shortages. States like Kerala and Punjab have announced power cuts as they are unable to purchase power. But in Tamil Nadu, we have purchased from the common pool to manage the shortage," he said. He added that complaints registered on the Minnagam helpline had increased, prompting the formation of a committee to monitor consumer grievances. He also noted that wind power generation, which usually continues till the end of the month, had ended earlier this month, and that a power purchase agreement for October had already been signed. Launching a sharp attack on AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran over his remarks claiming Chief Minister MK Stalin was arrested under MISA, Nirmal Kumar said, "Isn't TTV Dhinakaran ashamed to say Stalin was arrested under MISA? He is talking just to prove his existence. He was completely sidelined by Jayalalithaa for 10 years. His growth is because of his aunt, whom he also sidelined." He further alleged that Dhinakaran was now working towards making AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami the Chief Minister, despite previously criticising him. "The same TTV who called Palaniswami a traitor and said his only aim was to defeat him is now desperate to make him the Chief Minister and is carrying papers to Raj Bhavan for him. The person who is going to be CM should take the MLAs' letter, but he is carrying it for Palaniswami. He is now advocating for the DMK and Stalin. His statements should not be repeatedly telecast," he said. Nirmal Kumar also defended the Chief Minister's recent foreign trip, describing it as transparent and aimed at benefiting the people of the state, adding that the Chief Minister had been explaining department-wise details about the investments secured during the visit. (ANI)
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