Kerala’s Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has accused the State government of big-ticket corruption in “ceding operational and commercial control” of the Maniyar hydroelectric project to a private company. He demanded that the government roll back its decision or face street agitations.
In a statement here on Friday (December 13, 2024), Mr. Satheesan said the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had contracted the private firm Carborundum Universal in 1994 to build and operate the hydroelectric project for 30 years, after which the State would assume ownership of the facility.
The original agreement stated that the State should have assumed project control in 2024. However, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government overruled KSEB’s objections and extended the firm’s contract until 2049, he said.
Mr. Satheesan said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty had “arbitrarily” extended the contract without consultations and with a corrupt motive.
‘KSEB deprived of revenue’
He alleged that Industries Minister P. Rajeeve brokered the “illicit deal,” which has deprived the financially ailing KSEB of much-needed revenue.
Mr. Satheesan claimed that the KSEB had served notice on Carborundum Universal for allegedly breaking the contract agreement. He said the public utility had generated several cautionary red flags to alert the government against extending the company’s contract. However, the government “ignored” the warnings.
Published – December 13, 2024 01:53 pm IST
