Tue Jul 15 06:57:15 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala is demanding a public discussion and forensic audit concerning alleged irregularities in a ₹240-crore solar pump tender under the PM Kusum scheme in Kerala. He questions the Kerala Electricity Minister’s role, the Anert CEO’s authority in issuing the tender, and the circumstances surrounding a company withdrawing its bid. Chennithala also raised concerns about the funds, Centre subsidies, and the involvement of a temporary employee.

**News Article:**

**Congress Leader Demands Inquiry into Kerala Solar Pump Tender**

**Kozhikode, Kerala – July 15, 2025** – Senior Congress leader and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Ramesh Chennithala, MLA, has escalated scrutiny of a ₹240-crore tender for solar pump installations under the PM Kusum scheme, alleging significant irregularities. Speaking to the media today, Chennithala challenged Kerala Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty to a public debate on the matter.

“I am ready to discuss this with the Minister, but the people of Kerala deserve to hear these answers in the open,” Chennithala stated. He further demanded a forensic audit of all deals undertaken by the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (Anert) over the past five years.

Chennithala raised specific questions about the authority of the Anert CEO, who is reportedly only authorized to issue tenders up to ₹5 crore, in issuing the ₹240-crore tender. He also questioned the circumstances surrounding a company withdrawing its least-quoted bid, asking if the department was aware of the withdrawal email.

“Why is the government not implementing the decision by the Anert executive committee to fix a basic rate for solar plants? What happened to the Centre subsidies released for this project?” Chennithala pressed.

He further inquired about the alleged involvement of a temporary employee, now working for a private consultancy, in the tender process. The Congress leader’s demands signal a potential political storm brewing over the solar pump scheme. The Kerala government is yet to issue a formal response to Chennithala’s allegations.

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