TVK Electricity Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar has triggered a political storm after releasing the long-awaited White Paper on the state’s power sector, alleging massive financial irregularities, inflated procurement costs and widespread corruption during the previous DMK government.
According to information presented in the White Paper, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) is burdened with debt amounting to ₹2.5 lakh crore. The report also alleges that irregularities worth approximately ₹58,000 crore took place in power procurement, making it one of the most significant financial allegations levelled against the previous administration.
The White Paper further claims that commissions ranging from 30% to 40% were allegedly collected in almost every tender related to the electricity sector. It also raises allegations that “party funds” were collected in connection with approvals and procurement relating to green energy and solar power projects.
These allegations have intensified the political confrontation between the ruling TVK government and the opposition DMK.
According to a report published by Junior Vikatan, the allegations surrounding green energy approvals and solar power procurement have generated particular attention within DMK circles.
The report claims that officials familiar with the developments believe the allegations have effectively placed former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s son-in-law, Sabareesan, under increased scrutiny. However, neither the White Paper nor the minister has publicly named Sabareesan in connection with any alleged wrongdoing.
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During the White Paper release of the TNEB department, Nirmal Kumar mentioned, “…regarding the ‘Gangman’ system… In 2021, 5,391 people were selected. It is unclear exactly under what conditions this happened—whether there were specific criteria or if it was done arbitrarily. Nothing happens for free; one cannot even get in without paying something. So, based on the criteria set by the previous government in 2021, these 5,391 individuals were recruited. For the past five years, however, they have been left in limbo. The anguish these 5,391 people endured during this time was immense. They were caught in uncertainty, announcements had been made and their selection confirmed, yet they didn’t know if they would actually get the job or be called up. They met with every relevant minister – three different ministers held the portfolio over those five years though the “shadow” figure pulling the strings from behind the scenes remained the same person, even as the official ministers changed. They met three different ministers, and even the Chief Minister; they met everyone – the CM, his son-in-law, the son-in-law’s friends, and their associates, they met them all but to no avail.”
Following the statements made by CTR Nirmal Kumar, Sabareesan has issued a legal notice to him objecting to the remarks allegedly made during a press briefing where he questioned who had benefited from the electricity tariff hikes under the previous DMK government. The notice contends that the statement was false, defamatory and made without any supporting evidence, and demands that Nirmal Kumar retract his remarks and issue an unconditional public apology within 15 days, failing which Sabareesan would initiate legal proceedings.
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