A series of power interruptions at the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai during visits by prominent political leaders has triggered controversy, with the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and temple authorities offering explanations for the incidents, as reported in Hindu Tamil.
The power cuts occurred on consecutive days when AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan visited the temple.
On October 29, a power interruption occurred while former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Palaniswami was offering prayers at the temple. A similar incident took place two days later when Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan had completed his darshan and was addressing reporters outside the temple. Power was interrupted twice while he was speaking to the media.
Electricity Board Blames Temple Administration
Officials from the Electricity Board said that a 350 KVA high-voltage substation is located near the temple and that a dedicated 11 KV power line has been provided for the temple. Three additional power lines serve the surrounding areas.
They explained that special arrangements are normally made during visits by important dignitaries, including the President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister and Governors, to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. Under this arrangement, generators are used as the primary power source, while the regular Electricity Board supply is kept as a secondary option.
According to the officials, a rehearsal was being conducted on October 29 in preparation for the Vice President’s visit. The personnel involved were unaware that Palaniswami had arrived at the temple and were carrying out the rehearsal, resulting in the power interruption.
The Electricity Board officials maintained that the incident had nothing to do with the department and that the temple administration was responsible.
Temple Administration Cites Generator Switching
Temple officials, meanwhile, said that the premises currently have two 125 KVA generators and that another generator is being procured.
They added that the temple has a dedicated electrical section comprising an Assistant Executive Engineer, a Junior Engineer and four assistants.
According to the temple administration, the power interruption during Palaniswami’s visit on October 29 occurred while arrangements were being rehearsed for the Vice President’s visit. Officials said they were unaware that the former Chief Minister was inside the temple at the time.
Regarding the interruption during Vice President Radhakrishnan’s visit, the administration said that officials assumed he had completed his darshan and left the premises.
When they attempted to switch the power supply from the generator back to the regular electricity connection, a power interruption lasting approximately one minute occurred.
The officials claimed that they were unaware that the Vice President was still outside the temple addressing the media. Had they known that he was giving a press conference, they would have waited until he finished before switching the power supply, they said.
The temple administration maintained that these were the circumstances behind the two incidents.
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