Keralam government centralising power in Chief Minister’s office: Pinarayi Vijayan

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has accused the Keralam government of concentrating decision-making powers in the hands of the Chief Minister, alleging that even ministers are being kept in the dark about important decisions.

He said the situation was unprecedented in the State and called for a judicial investigation into what he described as suspicious administrative actions. Speaking at the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] political explanation meeting at Chathurakkinar in Madikkai, Mr.

Vijayan questioned how a Minister, who is also the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president, could remain unaware of major decisions concerning his own department. He said governance was being conducted without proper coordination between departments, with the Chief Minister taking decisions independently.

Referring to the electricity purchase agreement with GNA, Mr. Vijayan said the Minister concerned had earlier said that he was unaware of the decision to enter into the agreement. The Minister was reportedly unaware even when the decision to abandon the agreement was taken, he said.

He also alleged that attempts were being made to create an artificial power shortage to benefit corporate monopolies.