COIMBATORE: The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has directed its field staff to avoid performing fuse-off calls and other planned or emergency power interruptions during evening and night hours until the Assembly elections scheduled for April 23. The measure has been introduced as routine power outages whether technical or maintenance-related, can easily be politicised under the current Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
Since the MCC came into force, several political parties have allegedly shifted vote-bribing activities, such as distribution of cash and gifts, to evening and night hours, to evade election flying squads. In the absence of electricity, monitoring becomes practically impossible, leading to concern that any power cut could be portrayed as an attempt to facilitate illegal distribution. Complaints have already emerged accusing TNPDCL staff of showing favouritism to particular parties by switching off supply in the evening.
Recently in Tiruppur district, a consumer forum filed a complaint with election authorities alleging that an electricity board official responsible for Anupparpalayam sub-division was deliberately interrupting power at night to enable money and gift distribution in favour of certain political parties. Following the complaint, the officer was questioned by the Returning Officer of Tiruppur North constituency. Further action is awaited.
A senior TNPDCL official, who did not wish to be named, said, "Even ordinary power interruptions can now appear suspicious and be viewed as abetting election-related bribery. As a result, staff have been instructed to minimise supply interruptions in late hours. To enforce this, employees must now inform their distribution headquarters before carrying out any planned or minor interruption, including routine fuse-off calls and service requests."
"For unavoidable faults, such as those caused by overloaded circuits, blown fuses, tripped breakers, faulty appliances, or sudden surges, which are common during summer, staff are required to inform their superior officers in advance before attending to the issue. The department stressed that such prior reporting will provide protection against these allegations," the senior official added.
This is the second time in recent months that such restrictions have been imposed. A similar advisory was issued about a month ago during the board examinations to ensure uninterrupted power for students. Many field staff are upset with the repeated instructions, pointing out that the periodical maintenance has been halted and now restrictions over power cuts might put them in a limbo.