Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran has urged the state government to provide free electricity for Ganesh idol pandals set up for Vinayagar Chaturthi.
In a statement, he alleged that the government was indirectly attempting to curb the festival. He said devotees who put up temporary worship pandals are required to pay a deposit of Rs 4,000 for a temporary power connection.
He added that when wiring and related expenses are included, the total cost for arranging electricity for a single idol installation can go up to Rs 15,000.
Citing Andhra Pradesh as an example, Nagendran said the government there supplies free electricity for the festival without obstacles and encourages devotees. He demanded that the commercial tariff system be withdrawn and that free power be provided to Vinayagar Chaturthi pandals without conditions.
