Udhayanidhi Stalin questions TVK government over Perambur power cuts in Assembly debate

On Monday, June 22, 2026, Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin raised the issue of recurring power cuts in the Perambur constituency during a State Legislative Assembly debate, questioning when the TVK-led government would resolve the problem. The discussion prompted Minister R. Nirmalkumar to announce that the government would release a White Paper on the power situation in a few days.

Speaking on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor for his address, Udhayanidhi Stalin also criticized the TVK-led government over crimes against women, electoral assurances, and cultural protocols.

Following Minister Nirmalkumar's explanation of the government's steps to address power issues, DMK MLAs V. Senthilbalaji and S.S. Sivasankar, both former Ministers, joined the debate. They recalled the infrastructure measures implemented by the previous DMK government to boost electricity in the State.

The debate also touched upon temple-run educational institutions. When Udhayanidhi Stalin asked if educational institutions run by temples under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department would continue, HR&CE Minister Ramesh confirmed that they would. Additionally, DMK MLA P.K. Sekarbabu explained the previous government's decision to build a multi-level car parking facility on a temple campus in Coonoor, an issue previously flagged by Ramesh.

Cultural protocols were also a point of contention. The Leader of the Opposition questioned why the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu was sung only once during the Governor's address while the national anthem was sung twice, suggesting the government prioritized the Governor over the state song. Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar rejected the claim that the government "celebrated" the Governor, stating he was only accorded due respect.

Udhayanidhi Stalin further questioned Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay regarding past promises of support to the conservancy workers of the Greater Chennai Corporation. He also highlighted that crimes against women continued despite the formation of the Singappen Special Force, and referenced reports of industrial investments shifting from Tamil Nadu to neighboring states.

While welcoming the continuation of welfare programs like the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai, Udhayanidhi Stalin voiced concern over reports that the Naan Mudhalvan program might be discontinued. He also extended birthday greetings to Chief Minister Vijay, who responded with a smile and folded hands.

Following the speech, Minister Rajmohan defended the government by recalling crimes against women that occurred under DMK rule, accusing the Opposition of lacking interest in addressing actual issues and criticizing their stance on the Singappen Special Force.