DMK president M K Stalin
Chennai: DMK president M K Stalin on Wednesday alleged that there was a large-scale scam in Tamil Nadu ’s proposal to purchase electricity from private generators at rates ranging from ₹35 to ₹41.50 per unit when Kerala had access to power at lower rates. Stalin cited media reports about the removal of Kerala State Electricity Board chairperson M G Rajamanickam from his post for his alleged rejection of an offer to buy electricity for ₹8.6 per unit and instead moving a proposal for procurement at ₹14.50 per unit. “The question arising from this is that electricity was available in the neighbouring state at ₹8.64, ₹12.50 and ₹14.50 per unit. Stalin said when Kerala’s bid to buy power at ₹14.5 triggered a controversy, the TN electricity minister was planning to buy electricity at ₹35, ₹37 or ₹41.50 per unit.
He said he suspected large-scale irregularities in TVK govt’s power procurement decision. So, it warrants an independent and transparent investigation into purchases of electricity at a higher price from private generators, he said. If so, why was it not feasible for TVK govt?” he asked. Since Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption too comes under the electricity minister’s purview, the agency will not bring the facts.