Annamalai’s statement highlights significant issues in Tamil Nadu politics, specifically regarding the dealings between the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) and the Adani Group under the DMK government. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key points:
1. Payments to Adani Group and Related Questions
a) ₹568 Crore Issue:
Annamalai questions the payment of ₹568 crore to the Adani Group:
- Under whose orders was this amount paid?
- What are the detailed accounts of this payment (dates, allocation of funds)?
- If the case has been pending since 2016, why did the DMK government choose to clear the payment now?
b) Price Discrepancy:
- The Adani Group is alleged to have supplied electricity at a high rate of ₹7.01 per unit.
- Meanwhile, under the DMK government, the procurement price was mentioned as ₹5.10 per unit.
- If both statements are true, how was this price difference justified?
c) Financial Report of Adani Group:
According to Adani’s financial reports for 2023:
- A total of ₹544 crore as one-time revenue and ₹15.205 crore as delayed payment charges were collected from the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board.
- Was this solely related to agreements with TNEB?
- Does this contradict claims made by Minister Senthil Balaji?
2. Role of Regulatory Commissions
The Appellate Tribunal had issued orders in 2019 regarding these disputes:
- However, in 2021, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission rejected the same orders.
- Why was this decision reversed under the DMK government in 2024?
- What legal explanations support these differing outcomes?
3. Private Power Purchase Agreements
a) Rate Differences:
The central government’s solar power agreement is priced at ₹2.61 per unit:
- Why did the DMK government procure power from private players at rates ranging between ₹3.45 and ₹5.31 per unit?
- Does the Adani Group feature among these private players?
b) Continuing Contracts:
Minister Senthil Balaji claimed that medium- and long-term contracts were the basis for these deals.
- Were these contracts a continuation of previous administrations’ policies?
- Did the DMK government introduce any new agreements, or were existing ones extended?
4. Allegations Against the DMK Government
a) Focus on Departmental Duties:
Annamalai accuses Senthil Balaji of neglecting his departmental responsibilities:
- Did this alleged negligence affect the TNEB’s operational efficiency?
- Was his close association with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister a factor in prioritizing politics over administration?
b) Threats of Legal Action:
- Annamalai claims the DMK uses threats of legal action as a tactic to silence critics.
- Were these threats directed at BJP leaders for raising legitimate questions?
- What legal recourse does the BJP plan to counter such tactics?
5. Accountability to the Public
Annamalai emphasized:
- The government must provide full accountability for public funds spent.
- Transparency in governance is essential for public trust.
Public Concerns:
- How has the DMK government addressed the burden of high electricity prices on the public?
- Were these payments made in the interest of the people or private corporations?
Conclusion
Annamalai’s statement raises serious questions about the DMK government’s governance and decision-making processes, particularly in its dealings with the Adani Group. The BJP’s insistence on transparency in electricity agreements and financial management highlights the importance of accountability.
Such issues must be addressed to ensure corruption-free governance and reassure the public that decisions are made in their best interest. The Adani controversy and the power procurement discrepancies demand clear and transparent explanations to uphold trust in the administration.
