TN Cabinet holds discussions,yet to make stand public

The sources said the government will make its decision known only after the Sankarankoil bypoll due to the model code of conduct that is in place. Also,according to observers,if the decision is in favour of the atomic establishment,the ruling party will be keen not to let its administrative decision take a toll on its political fortunes in the election that is happening in the same district,especially in the prestige election that it is contesting on its own after separating from the alliance partners.

The four-member expert panel set up by the Tamil Nadu government to allay the fears of the local public,with one of the strongest votaries of nuclear power,former chairman of Atomic Energy Commission M R Srinivasan,on board has already made public their satisfaction about the multiple level safety features that the plant boasted.

The committee members said after submitting the report that they had not made any recommendations but only recorded their observations,and that it was for the state government to take any decision on the matter.

Jaya had given an appointment to the leaders of the protesters a few days ago,but has not committed anything on the issue so far. Instead,she seem content to wait and watch while the protesters and Congress-led Union government is battling it out against each other.

Adding to the challenges in front of the protesters,Tamil Nadu is already reeling under severe power shortage,which is expected to worsen once the summer sets in. This,too,might affect the state government’s approach towards the impasse over the nuclear power plant,which would give Tamil Nadu about 1000 MW once both reactors are commissioned.