Tamil Nadu Minister Nirmal Kumar on Tuesday questioned the presence of DMK functionaries at the ongoing nurses’ protest, saying political interference could derail the agitation.
Speaking to reporters in Chennai, he said claims that protests are not being permitted anywhere are “misinformation”. He added that police continue to grant permission for demonstrations at designated locations, and that the present government is not creating obstacles for protests.
Referring to former DMK minister Mano Thangaraj, Nirmal Kumar asked what role he had in the nurses’ protest. He alleged that such participation could turn the issue political and create unrest, and said the police had conveyed this to those involved. He also questioned how the government could hold talks with a former minister who was not connected to the concerned department.
On power supply, the minister said electricity expected from the central pool had not reached Tamil Nadu. To avoid shortages during peak hours, he said tenders have been floated to procure power from the open market, anticipating higher demand in March, April and May next year, and continuing into June and July.
