Chennai, May 14: Power sector reforms, arrest of MDMK chief Vaiko under Pota and the state government's decision to construct a new secretariat complex after demolishing the country's first All Women's Queen Mary's College marred the completion of the second year of AIADMK government in office in Tamil Nadu today. While the first year of AIADMK government saw the unseating of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa from her post by the Supreme Court, the second year was marked by several important decisions taken by the AIADMK government to restore the health of state's economy.

The implementation of the recommendations of the state electricity regulatory authority had led to a steep hike in the power tariff in the state besides withdrawal of the free electricity scheme to all farmers. However, the state government announced cash compensation to small farmers in the state who were also removed from the free power scheme.

The arrest of MDMK chief Vaiko in July last under Pota for his alleged speech supporting the banned LTTE had led to widespread criticism among the opposition parties not only in the state but also elsewhere in the country. The year also saw AIADMK inching closer to the BJP, with the party supporting the NDA's nominee in presidential and vice presidential polls and to many legislations of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.

Bureau Report