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AIADMK Alleges Mega Corruption In Tamil Nadu Power Purchase Deal
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CNBC TV18•14-10-2026, 22:33
AIADMK Alleges Mega Corruption In Tamil Nadu Power Purchase Deal
- •AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami accused the Tamil Nadu government of mega corruption for procuring power from private companies at an exorbitant rate of 35 rupees per unit.
- •Palaniswami questioned the necessity of high-cost purchases when the state electricity board is already burdened with a debt of nearly 2.48 lakh crore rupees.
- •State Electricity Minister R Nirmal Kumar defended the move, stating that 1,000 MW of gas power is being procured at higher rates solely to manage peak demand and prevent shortages.
- •The AIADMK leader also slammed the administration over soaring inflation, agrarian distress in the Cauvery delta region, and a deteriorating law and order situation.
Key Questions Answered
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami alleged that the Tamil Nadu government is procuring power from five private companies at an exorbitant rate of 35 rupees per unit, which he termed a mega corruption scandal.
State Electricity Minister R Nirmal Kumar defended the procurement by stating that 1,000 MW of gas power is being bought at higher rates to handle peak demand, address nationwide energy shortages, and guarantee uninterrupted supply.
Palaniswami criticized the administration for soaring inflation, pointing out that rice prices reached 100 rupees per kilogram and cooking oil rose by 40%. He also warned that inadequate planning for releasing water from the Mettur Dam threatens standing crops in the Cauvery delta region.
