As the Tamil Nadu government grapples with multiple crises – including student protests over NEET, the Cauvery water dispute affecting 4.4 lakh acres of Kuruvai crops, and a devastating fire at a cracker unit in Virudhunagar, Industries Minister Keerthana has reportedly been spotted touring with a male friend, raising serious questions about her priorities and commitment to her constituency.
இவனுடன் இருந்த போட்டோ தானே AI என்று சொல்லி உருட்டிட்டு இருந்தானுங்க… இப்போ பதில் சொல்லுங்கடா..
டேய் இதை எங்கே இருந்துடா அமைச்சராக்கினேங்கே!
அந்த பக்கம் மாணவர்கள் போராட்டம் ,
இந்த பக்கம் காவேரி தண்ணீர் பகீர்மான பிரச்சனை ,
ஆனா இந்த கீர்த்தனா…
ஒளியாத ஒளியாத.. pic.twitter.com/tDqZQesLcO— Maridhas (@MaridhasAnswers) July 26, 2026
A Minister on Holiday Amidst Crisis
According to reports, the Industries Minister was seen enjoying a leisurely outing, captured on video walking with a male companion in a manner “unbefitting” of a minister’s office, at a time when her constituency and the state at large face multiple challenges.
Additionally, it is reported that the central government issued notices to TVK minister Keerthana and Rajmohan for going on foreign trips without prior approval.
The timing has drawn sharp criticism for several reasons:
Student Protests: Chennai is witnessing large-scale student protests over NEET issues – both in the city as well as across the country, with thousands of young people demanding a ban on the exam. The minister’s absence during this critical period has not gone unnoticed.
Cauvery Water Crisis: Cultivation on 4.4 lakh acres of Kuruvai crops has come to a standstill due to the ongoing Cauvery water dispute. Farmers are facing immense distress, and the government’s attention is urgently needed.
Virudhunagar Tragedy: A major fire broke out at a cracker manufacturing unit in Virudhunagar, a district within the minister’s portfolio. At the time of the tragedy, the minister was reportedly away from her duties.
Portfolio Responsibilities: As Industries Minister, Keerthana oversees critical sectors including the ₹7,000 crore scrap business in Chennai – a contract that has been surrounded by controversy and allegations of undue influence by the “lottery mafia” led by Lottery Martin and his son-in-law, TVK Minister Aadhav Arjuna.
The ₹7,000 Crore Scrap Contract Controversy
Allegations have surfaced regarding pressure tactics surrounding the award of the Chennai scrap business contract – worth an estimated ₹7,000 crore. The portfolio falls under the Industries Minister’s purview, raising concerns about who ultimately benefits from such lucrative deals.
“Where is the Ministerial Responsibility?”
The minister’s conduct has been contrasted unfavorably with the gravity of the office she holds. A video of her walking with a male friend with his shirt hitched up in a casual manner has gone viral, netizens question whether such behavior befits a minister entrusted with the state’s industrial growth.
Previous Controversies
This is not the first time Keerthana has been at the center of controversy. When photos of her with a male friend in her office were posted on social media, questions about his involvement in ministerial affairs were raised, her supporters responded with attacks to the ones questioning claiming it was AI-generated imagery. YouTuber Maridhas was also arrested over sharing this alleged AI picture.
It is noteworthy that she was enjoying fireworks display ahead of CM Joseph Vijay’s birthday just as the ammonia leakage incident occurred.
What About Her Constituency?
Constituents have reportedly expressed frustration at their minister’s apparent absence from the ground. With multiple crises unfolding across the state, many are asking where their elected representative is and what she is doing to address these pressing issues.
The Government’s Silence
The Vijay government has offered no official explanation or justification for the minister’s conduct or her absence during critical moments. The silence has only fueled further criticism, with observers questioning whether the administration’s commitment to “change” extends only to slogans and not to actual governance.
With the budget presentation approaching and the state facing multiple crises, the question remains: Where is the minister, and why isn’t she attending to the people’s needs?
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