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The story since has assumed a familiar pattern — broad allegations from various sources,steadfast denials from Chandy,media revelations establishing the various links in Team Solar’s political network,and then,grudging admissions of certain details. After first refusing all connection with the company,Chief Minister Chandy admitted in the assembly that “liberal and unconditional access” to his office had been misused. The details about the scam so far have established the fact that this fraudulent company had inveigled itself into the most influential offices in the state. Given the rampant factionalism in the UDF,the bitter political competition between the UDF and LDF,and the complex motives of the various actors in this saga,it is too early to assign blame,and the truth will only emerge after a thorough investigation. But one thing may already be clear: Chandy’s handling of the scandal has left much to be desired.

When he became chief minister of Kerala,a clean and open government was one of Chandy’s major talking points. He frequently emphasised that good governance and corruption-free administration depended on transparency. He webcast proceedings in his office through a permanently installed CCTV camera,and set up a 24×7 call centre to address complaints. These,he said,were intended to show how serious his government was about openness and responsiveness to citizens. Now,by failing to frontally address the allegations against his associates and himself,he may not be living up to that promise.