Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, described the emerging revelations in the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) recruitment controversy as alarming, pledging that his government would restore the premier recruitment body's credibility. Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram after a Cabinet meeting, Satheesan said appointing party workers and relatives through the PSC amounted to 'cheating the common public.'

What the Chief Minister Said

'Every day, complaints relating to several PSC examinations are coming out. The reports emerging are dangerous. Our task is to restore the credibility of the PSC, and we will do that,' CM Satheesan told the media. He added that he could not disclose further details while the probe was underway, saying everything would be revealed 'at the appropriate time.'

The Chief Minister also confirmed that differences of opinion had emerged among members of the PSC board, and urged stakeholders to wait for the investigation to run its course.

Power Purchase Controversy

Satheesan also addressed a parallel controversy over the purchase of power from private companies, pushing back against Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan. He accused the former Chief Minister of making 'baseless statements,' noting that the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had itself procured power from the same company now under scrutiny. The Chief Minister argued that the previous administration had failed to anticipate the state's power requirements and place orders in time.

Mission Samudra and Development Projects

On the proposed Mission Samudra project, Satheesan accused the Left of adopting a 'negative approach' towards development. Invoking the example of the Vizhinjam port, he argued that Kerala would have lost a critical opportunity had former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy yielded to the Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s campaign against it. The government also announced plans for an educational programme targeting children of the fishing community, aimed at preparing them for employment opportunities expected to arise from the expansion of port-related activities.

Draft proposals for two major tourism infrastructure projects — an oceanarium and a maritime museum — have received government approval. The next step, according to officials, is the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

Liquor Policy and IAS Transfers

On the question of new bar licences, Satheesan clarified that his government would not follow the previous administration's route of allowing officials to grant licences. He said a new liquor policy would be announced shortly. The Chief Minister also defended recent IAS officer transfers as a routine administrative exercise carried out across departments, asserting that the government had followed all rules and that such transfers were within its lawful prerogative.

What Happens Next

With the PSC probe actively underway and board-level divisions now publicly acknowledged, the controversy is likely to intensify in the coming weeks. The government's credibility on recruitment reform — a politically sensitive issue in a state where lakhs of aspirants depend on PSC results — will be tested by the pace and transparency of the investigation.