'Pinarayi government involved in major corruption through new electricity contract'; K Sudhakaran demands judicial investigation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KPCC president K Sudhakaran MP alleged that the Pinarayi Vijayan government has committed major corruption by cancelling the electricity contract signed during the term of the UDF government and entering into a new one. He said that a judicial investigation must be conducted into the matter.

"Under the UDF government's contract, electricity was purchased at a rate between Rs 4.15 and Rs 4.29 per unit. However, the new contract signed by the Pinarayi government resulted in electricity being purchased at rates ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 14 per unit. As per the UDF government's contract, companies were supposed to provide electricity at a lower rate until 2040. Instead, by purchasing electricity from the same companies at a higher rate, the government is helping the companies earn a whopping profit of around Rs 2,000 crores. This is one of the biggest corruption scandals in Kerala's history," Sudhakaran said.

"The cancellation of the UDF government's contract, which provided electricity at a lower rate for a long period, is the reason for the recent frequent price hikes. Since the Pinarayi Vijayan government came to power, electricity rates have been increased five times. The current hike is 16 paise, and another 12 paise increase is expected immediately after March. An ordinary consumer using 250 units of electricity will have to pay an additional Rs 50. After March, this amount will increase to Rs 100," he said.

"The practice of purchasing electricity at more than double the cost has put both consumers and KSEB in a predicament. While the LDF government is amassing wealth by indulging in corruption, the burden falls on the people. A judicial investigation into the matter would reveal shocking facts," he added.