Keralam power purchase row: BJP leader V. Muraleedharan says CM must clarify if tenders were called

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national executive member and MLA V. Muraleedharan has asked Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to clarify whether tenders were invited before the government opted to purchase power from GNA Energy, a digital over-the-counter (OTC) trading platform.

Stressing the need for transparency in the use of government funds at a press conference on Monday, Mr. Muraleedharan said the government should also clarify whether private companies other than GNA Energy had approached it and the rates offered by them.

The “power crisis” in the State, he said, was felt most acutely during peak hours, from 6 p.m. to midnight or 2 a.m. However, the agreement with GNA Energy was for the purchase of power round the clock, and not just during peak hours. According to experts, this would create an additional burden of ₹1,500 crore on the people, he said.

Mr. Muraleedharan asked whether the government would be willing to disclose a comparison of the peak-hour power supply offered by GNA Energy and the Himachal Pradesh government, along with the rates, “in a manner that can be understood by the layman.”

Keralam experienced the highest power shortage during April and May. However, the agreement with GNA Energy covered the period from November 2026 to March 2027. Negotiations for power purchases for April and May would see a further increase in rates. However, the rates offered by Himachal Pradesh covered the April-May period as well. “What is the rationale behind declining Himachal Pradesh’s offer and going with GNA Energy without inviting tenders?” the senior BJP leader asked.

If tenders were not invited, the government should clarify what other norms were followed in selecting GNA Energy, he added.

He also questioned why Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph was silent on the issue. “Does he have no stance on the issue? Usually, it is the Electricity Department that takes decisions on such matters. However, recently the Chief Minister has been making statements on the matter. Has the Electricity Minister gone on leave? Is the Chief Minister handling his portfolio?” Mr. Muraleedharan asked.

The MLA said there were suspicions that the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission was being overruled when such decisions were made.

He also questioned why the United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Keralam was not entering into an agreement with another Congress-ruled State and was instead opting for GNA Energy.

The Chief Minister recently defended his decision to accept GNA Energy’s offer over a proposal from Himachal Pradesh, stating that the latter would entail an additional liability of ₹2,230 crore.