GNA Power Procurement Row: CM Satheesan Rubbishes Contract Claims
Thiruvananthapuram: Amidst a brewing political firestorm regarding the state’s potential energy procurement strategies, Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has categorically denied the existence of any formal agreement with the private GNA platform. The Chief Minister’s remarks follow a series of allegations from the Leader of Opposition, Pinarayi Vijayan, who claimed the government had “withdrawn” from a controversial power deal that risked public exchequer funds.
Addressing the media after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Satheesan questioned the premise of the opposition’s accusations, asking how the administration could terminate a contract that was never officially signed.
The Dispute Over Power Crisis
The controversy centers on whether the current government manufactured an “artificial” power crisis to facilitate an expensive purchase from a private firm. Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan had alleged that the UDF government initially pursued the deal to benefit private interests before backpedaling due to public and political backlash.
Satheesan deflected these claims, pointing towards the administrative machinery. He appeared to hold a recently transferred Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) official accountable for pushing the proposal. According to the Chief Minister, the Board had initially warned of impending power shortages by November, urging an immediate procurement decision. However, subsequent internal assessments by a different team suggested that the state was not in such a precarious position, leading to the decision to abandon the procurement plan.
“I have been studying the file, not sitting on it,” the Chief Minister asserted, refuting claims that he was delaying a decision to avoid accountability. He criticized the media narrative suggesting that his deliberation was a sign of indecision, labeling such reports as pressure tactics.
Long-Term Planning and Future Strategy
Turning the tables on the previous administration, Satheesan blamed the current power instability on a decade of policy inertia under the former LDF government. He argued that the previous regime failed to invest in infrastructure, such as battery storage units for solar energy or long-term electricity purchase agreements.
“For ten years, they relied on a culture of short-term power purchasing rather than building self-reliance,” Satheesan stated. He pointed out that while Kerala produces significant solar energy during daylight hours, the lack of storage facilities renders this energy underutilized.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister outlined a roadmap to resolve the crisis. He confirmed that the state is actively pursuing a long-term agreement with the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). Under this plan, the state expects to source power from NTPC’s Sinnar plant in Maharashtra at a significantly lower rate of ₹5.18 per unit, beginning in April.
Seeking a Permanent Solution
Satheesan also took aim at Pinarayi Vijayan’s shifting stance, noting that the opposition leader’s statements—ranging from demanding purchases from Himachal Pradesh to insisting no power was needed at all—were contradictory.
The Chief Minister promised a comprehensive, permanent solution to the state’s energy woes by the end of the month. This, he explained, would be anchored in boosting renewable energy production, developing battery storage capacity, and securing cost-effective long-term power contracts.
“We are committed to ensuring that the state procures electricity at the most competitive rates available, without compromising the financial interests of the people of Kerala,” Satheesan concluded.
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