THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The controversy over the proposed power purchase from GNA Energy has exposed growing faultlines within the six-month-old UDF government. Power Minister Sunny Joseph is reportedly peeved over the manner in which a major decision concerning his department was handled, leaving him to bear the political fallout.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that Chief Secretary Biswanath Sinha introduced the GNA proposal into a file originally initiated to procure power from Himachal Pradesh, despite Sunny favouring the latter option.
The Himachal proposal was pursued after KSEB failed to secure adequate power through six rounds of tendering. It was intended to address the anticipated supply deficit during the coming months, with the department seeking the necessary government-level clearances.
Sunny had favoured the Himachal arrangement and approved the proposal before the file was forwarded to Chief Minister V D Satheesan. The CM referred it to Sinha for remarks. A senior official familiar with the file movement said Sinha introduced the GNA proposal while processing the file.
The official said the file was originally sent to the government seeking a direction under Section 108 of the Electricity Act and action under Regulation 78(5) for the proposed procurement from Himachal. “The chief secretary directly introduced the GNA proposal as alternative,” the official said.
‘Min unhappy, but chose to stay silent’
Sources said the alternative was considered on the grounds that it was seen as more cost-effective. Sinha did not respond to TNIE’s query on the alleged recommendation.
The CM later strongly defended the GNA arrangement, citing projected savings of `2,232 crore. The chief secretary’s intervention and the subsequent change in the procurement proposal have reportedly irked the electricity minister, whose department has been left to face questions over a decision it had not favoured.
“The minister is deeply unhappy with the entire episode but has chosen to remain silent, mindful of the principle of collective cabinet responsibility,” said a close aide to the minister.The government’s apparent retreat from the GNA deal amid the controversy has further fuelled the minister’s discontent.
Differing views
Sunny Joseph favoured power from Himachal
Chief secretary introduced GNA in file as alternative
CM defended GNA deal citing projected savings
