Satheesan Denies GNA Power Deal Amid Political Row

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan denied reports that the Kerala government withdrew from a power procurement deal with the private platform GNA Energy, asserting that no formal contract was ever signed. Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram on November 11, 2026, Satheesan explained that while the government evaluated GNA's offer of ₹8.63–₹8.90 per unit as a cheaper alternative to power from Himachal Pradesh, it ultimately decided against the purchase after determining there was no immediate shortage for November and December.

The decision sparked internal and external friction. Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph expressed displeasure after learning of the decision through news reports, arguing that while the Chief Minister can intervene in any department, final decisions should be made by the cabinet. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) leader P Rajeev alleged the government created an artificial power crisis to justify a deal with a private entity, demanding a judicial probe and the release of all official documents.

Satheesan dismissed these claims, attributing the state's energy difficulties to criminal negligence and a lack of long-term planning by the previous LDF government. He announced plans to secure electricity from NTPC Limited's plants at a lower rate of ₹5.18 per unit starting in April. Satheesan pledged a permanent solution to the power crisis by the end of the month through a combination of long-term agreements, renewable energy, and battery storage.