Flagging the recurring power cuts, Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin of the DMK  on Monday (June 22, 2026) asked the TVK-led government when the issue would be resolved. He also criticised the government over crimes against women and electoral assurances.

In his speech on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor for his address in the Assembly, he referred to the recurring power cuts in the Perambur constituency. In response, Minister R.  Nirmalkumar explained the steps being taken by the government and said a White Paper would be released in a few days.

In response to some observations made by Mr. Nirmalkumar, DMK MLAs V. Senthilbalaji  and S.S. Sivasankar, both former Ministers, joined the debate and recalled the steps by the DMK government for creating electricity infrastructure in the State.

When Mr. Udhayanidhi sought to know whether the educational institutions, run by various temples under the HR&CE Department, would be continued, HR&CE Minister S. Ramesh replied in the affirmative. DMK MLA P.K. Sekarbabu explained the circumstances under which the then government decided to construct a multi-level car parking on a temple campus in Coonoor, which was flagged by Mr. Ramesh.

The Leader of the Opposition also questioned as to why the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu was sung only once during the Governor’s address, but the national anthem was sung twice. “It appears the Governor has become more important to you than the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu.” Rejecting the DMK leader’s claim that the TVK government “celebrated” the Governor, Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar said the Governor was only accorded respect due to him.

Recalling Mr. Vijay’s promise of support to the conservancy workers of the Greater Chennai Corporation in the past, Mr. Udhayanidhi asked if the Chief Minister would address their concerns now. He said crimes against women continued in various parts of the State even after the Singappen Special Force was formed. He also referred to reports that industrial investments were shifting from Tamil Nadu to neighbouring States.

Even as Mr. Udhayanidhi welcomed the government’s decision to continue the Kalaignar  Magalir Urimai Thogai and other welfare programmes, he voiced concern over the reported discontinuation of the Naan Mudhalvan programme. He extended his birthday greetings to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, who responded with a smile and folded hands.

After the DMK leader concluded his speech, Minister Rajmohan recalled the crimes against women reported under DMK rule. He said the Opposition parties were not interested in addressing issues. He also took exception to the criticism against the Singappen Special Force.