Minister denies allegations against TVK MLA

Electricity Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar on Thursday (November 12, 2026) denied the allegations that Kallakurichi MLA Arul Vignesh had sent an inappropriate message to the Collector and had visited her residence in an inebriated state.Asked about the allegations, particularly the remarks made by DMK Parliamentary Party leader Kanimozhi on social media, he said it was condemnable and inappropriate on her part to make a statement based on the claim that she had come across the rumour on social media.“Nothing happened as claimed by her. The issue was picked up by the media. Can I make allegations against her just because something has appeared on social media? She is the starting point. How can she do that? She has the right to call the person concerned and clarify,” he told reporters at the Secretariat.Mr. Nirmal Kumar also denied reports that TVK MLAs had been forced to stay at a hotel in Mamallapuram.“We do not have a facility to hold meetings of MLAs. Unlike the DMK, which owns Anna Arivalayam, we cannot offer an explanation and clarification for every report. Someone sets the narrative and you carry it forward,” he said.Alleging that the DMK was attempting to create a false impression about the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu through organisations such as PEN, he said 19,000 history-sheeters had been remanded since the TVK government assumed office.“A total of 6,700 cases under the POCSO Act have been filed. Of these, 2,800 complaints were received before May 10, but cases were not registered. We are using drones to monitor law and order. Crimes arising out of personal motives may not come to our notice. The police deal with criminal activities with an iron fist,” he said.Mr. Nirmal Kumar alleged that there had been laxity in the administration under the previous government and said Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay was directly reviewing the functioning of the administration. He contrasted this with former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, whom he accused of allowing his son and son-in-law to run the government.“Our Chief Minister is not lying at home like Mr. Stalin or visiting Greece,” he claimed. Published - November 12, 2026 07:38 pm IST