Keralam power purchase row: Pinarayi accuses UDF govt of ‘creating artificial crisis’, tells CM Satheesan to disclose files

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan

Accusing the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Keralam of creating an “artificial power crisis,” Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday (November 6, 2026) demanded that Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan disclose all files and documents related to the electricity supply offers made by the Himachal Pradesh and GNA Energy OTC.

Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, the Opposition Leader accused the Chief Minister of “openly misleading” the public with regard to the power purchase deal, and thereby “violating” the latter’s oath of office.

“The UDF government is creating a baseless scare about electricity shortages and a crisis when the nationwide availability of electricity has improved with the onset of winter in north India,” Mr. Vijayan said. “By creating a different impression, the government is seeking to protect the interests of corporate monopolies in the power sector,” he said.

“The government has the responsibility to lift the veil of mystery over the power purchase deal. For that, all files and documents pertaining to it should be released,” he said.

Mr. Vijayan alleged that the collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers has been overturned, with the Chief Minister overruling the decision of the Electricity Minister, Sunny Joseph, and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) which normally handles all matters related to electricity in the State.

“In a democratic system, one cannot say the government has no role. But the chief responsibility rests with the KSEB. This is a serious issue. The Chief Minister appears to have taken over the responsibility. The indication is that something that shouldn’t have happened has happened,” Mr. Vijayan said.

The Opposition Leader’s remarks have come at a time when the Chief Minister has openly defended his decision to opt for the offer made by GNA Energy over a proposal from Himachal Pradesh, stating that the latter proposal would entail an additional liability of ₹2,230 crore.

The controversy erupted over reports that the KSEB had advised the government that the Himachal supply was more suitable for Keralam from the perspectives of cost, duration of supply and peak-time electricity requirement.