Published Nov 11, 2026 | 12:27 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 11, 2026 | 12:30 PM
Kerala CM VD Satheesan. Credit: facebook.com/VDSatheeshanParavur
The simmering differences within the Congress-led UDF government have resurfaced, with UDF convener Adoor Prakash renewing his criticism of Chief Minister VD Satheesan over the alleged concentration of decision-making power in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
Satheesan, meanwhile, chose not to engage with the latest remarks when reporters sought his response.
Speaking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, Prakash hinted at growing discontent within the Cabinet over the way key government decisions were being taken.
“Evidence of a breakdown in collective responsibility is trickling out into the open,” he said.
Asked whether ministers were unhappy with the CMO for keeping them in the dark on important matters, Prakash declined to elaborate, remarking that the question should be put to the Cabinet members themselves.
Prakash’s comments assume significance amid the controversy over the now-withdrawn power purchase arrangement with private company GNA Energy.
Opposition leader Vijayan had accused Chief Minister VD Satheesan and the government of pushing through the GNA deal by overriding the objections of both the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Electricity Minister. KPCC president and Power Minister Sunny Joseph had also publicly expressed displeasure over learning about the controversial deal through media reports rather than through official channels.
Satheesan’s defence was that opting for GNA over the Himachal Pradesh proposal would save the state ₹2,232 crore.
Prakash had also complained that important policy decisions had not been adequately discussed within the UDF.
On questions concerning the proposed 2026-27 excise policy, changes in higher education, the freedom granted to autonomous colleges to introduce new courses and the allocation of chairperson posts in public sector undertakings among coalition partners, he said convening UDF meetings was entirely the responsibility of its chairperson, the Chief Minister.
The latest remarks came shortly before CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan accused the Chief Minister of undermining the principle of collective responsibility by allowing a small group, allegedly representing private interests, to wield influence through the CMO.
Satheesan, who faced questions about Prakash’s latest criticism during Wednesday’s Cabinet briefing, declined to join the controversy. He said he did not wish to comment on such matters and added that the media would be informed once the date and time of the next UDF meeting were finalised.
On Tuesday, Prakash had highlighted that UDF meetings had not been convened for some time and that several matters requiring collective discussion were being decided without informing the convener.
He drew attention to the decision to grant cabinet rank to IUML leader MK Muneer and Janathipathya Kerala Congress leader G Devarajan.
Prakash said both were deserving of the positions but maintained that he had neither been consulted nor informed that such a decision was being considered.
“I was not consulted in my capacity as UDF convener, nor was I informed that such a decision was being contemplated. The UDF ought to be aware of such matters. Consultation was necessary,” Prakash said.
He clarified that his remarks should not be seen as an attempt to target the Chief Minister personally but said his experience warranted that the matter be brought to the notice of the Congress central leadership.
Prakash also criticised the lack of coordination during the recent local body by-elections. Though the UDF secured 18 seats and did not suffer major setbacks, it failed to make expected gains in some areas, he said.
He noted that he had campaigned in several districts despite the absence of specific directions from the leadership.
The UDF convener said the state committee could be convened by him with the approval of the Front chairman but claimed that the necessary information and decisions were not being shared with him.
“There is no point in whispering such matters into the Chief Minister’s ear. A solution has to be found as soon as possible,” he said.
Prakash also demanded that the UDF appoint representatives to boards and corporations where nominees of the previous Left government continue to hold leadership positions months after the UDF government assumed office. He said he shared party workers’ dissatisfaction over the delay and urged immediate action.
He further said it was unfortunate that the UDF leadership was often learning about major developments through the media, making it difficult to provide clear answers on matters concerning the Front.
Prakash’s latest salvoes have once again brought into focus the unease within the ruling front over consultation, the functioning of the CMO and the extent to which coalition partners and Cabinet colleagues are involved in major government decisions.
Also Read:
Unpacking Keralam’s GNA row: The deal, Himachal offer and the questions in between
(Edited by R Rajesh Kumar.)
