Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 7 : Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Saturday criticised Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan for repeatedly raising allegations over the state’s proposed electricity purchase through the Green Energy Open Access (GNA) platform. Satheesan said he had already provided a detailed explanation and challenged Vijayan to support his claims with official documents.
In a statement, Satheesan said Vijayan continued to question the power purchase agreement by describing it as mysterious, despite receiving a detailed response on Friday.
The Chief Minister also asked Vijayan to produce documents supporting his claim that Himachal Pradesh had offered electricity to Kerala at Rs 12.50 per unit. He said the opposition leader had not answered his earlier question on this issue.
Satheesan Explains Himachal Pradesh Power Purchase Proposal
Satheesan explained the timeline of the proposed electricity purchase from Himachal Pradesh. According to him, Rajasthan decided to purchase electricity from the state on October 18. The related proposals were submitted to the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission on October 28.
He said the file containing the Kerala State Electricity Board’s (KSEB) recommendation for a final decision reached him only on October 30.
The Chief Minister questioned why Vijayan continued to criticise the government for not purchasing electricity from Himachal Pradesh, even though the KSEB had reportedly considered it a better option.
Kerala Power Shortage Claims Spark Political Row
Satheesan also questioned Vijayan’s allegation that the electricity shortage in Kerala was artificially created.
He said the KSEB had officially informed the government about the state’s power shortage. According to Satheesan, the opposition leader was ignoring these documents and repeating the same allegations.
He further pointed out that a note submitted by the then KSEB chairman had recommended considering electricity purchases through the GNA platform.
Satheesan questioned whether Vijayan was unaware of the note or was deliberately avoiding the issue.
Satheesan Questions Vijayan Over GNA Platform Usage
The Chief Minister welcomed Vijayan’s admission that the GNA platform had also been used during the previous government’s tenure.
Responding to Vijayan’s demand for the public release of all files related to the power purchase agreement, Satheesan questioned whether the former Chief Minister had shared similar documents when the opposition sought information during his tenure.
He alleged that a CPI(M)-affiliated organisation within the KSEB had already provided relevant documents to Vijayan. He added that the opposition leader could obtain any additional records through the established procedures.
Satheesan maintained that the government had taken decisions only after examining the relevant files and reviewing the details.
“We do not sign just any tissue paper that comes before us,” he said.
Pinarayi Vijayan Demands Transparency in GNA Power Deal
Earlier on Saturday, Pinarayi Vijayan accused the Chief Minister of creating confusion over the proposed GNA electricity purchase agreement.
In a statement, the Leader of the Opposition said Satheesan was attempting to avoid serious questions instead of providing clear answers about the deal.
Vijayan also questioned the government’s reluctance to release all files, official correspondence and documents related to the electricity purchase agreement.
The controversy over the GNA platform and Kerala’s proposed power purchase has now triggered a political confrontation between the ruling government and the opposition, with both sides demanding answers over the decision-making process.
