Power Cut During Electricity Minister’s Speech Provides Fodder For Opposition To Target ‘Dravidian Model’

During the All India Cooperative Society Week function in Tirunelveli, the Minister in charge of the electricity department, Thangam Thennarasu, found himself in the dark, both literally and figuratively. The incident happened on 16 November 2023, casting a spotlight on the persistent issue of power cuts in the state.

The 70th All India Cooperative Society Week was held at Nehru Kalaiarangam in Palayankottai. DMK Minister Thangam Thennarasu who holds the portfolio of electricity and finance, along with Tirunelveli DMK MP Abdul Wahab, DMK MLA Gnanathiraviyam attended the event.

As Minister Thennarasu was lauding the achievements of the DMK government and speaking about the need for being self-reliant, the power suddenly went off, plunging the venue into darkness.

“When our country became independent, our national leaders got together to plan on how to take the country to the next level. They created with the 5-year plans. As they were engaged in propelling the country forward with each five-year plan, they realized that education, public health, infrastructure can be developed in a country only through the cooperative society model and making people self-reliant.”, spoke Minister Thangam Thennarasu when the power got cut.

The abrupt blackout drew claps of dissatisfaction from the audience, who have grown accustomed to nocturnal power cuts becoming a routine of late.

During the power cut, the DMK Electricity Minister went on to suggest that someone deliberately orchestrated the power cut to provide content for the media.

For a few minutes, Minister Thennarasu, grappled with the unexpected power outage. When the electricity was finally restored, the DMK Minister took it in his stride saying that the episode has provided content for the press.

While speaking I was wondering what content to give for the media. That’s okay. Tomorrow, the press people have got good content. ‘Power cut during Electricity Minister’s speech’ – you’ve a good headline for tomorrow“, he said.

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.