Centre not responsible for power crisis in TN: Mani Shankar Aiyar

NAGAPATTINAM: Former Union Minister and senior Congress Leader Mani Shankar Aiyar today refuted the charges made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa against the Union Government for the power crisis in the state.

Talking to reporters here, he said the Centre was not responsible for the power crisis in Tamil Nadu. "The Chief Minister's charges in this regard are not true," he said in response to questions.

Referring to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Aiyar expressed confidence that the Congress-led alliance would return to power. "If I get the opportunity to contest again (from Mayiladuthurai), I will continue to strive for the development of the constituency," he said.

Aiyar has been contesting from Mayiladuthurai on Congress ticket since 1991.

Aiyar visited Thirukkalachery village near Porayar in Nagapattinam district to distribute a tractor to the village panchayat purchased under the MP's local area development scheme.