This was the first time a Chief Minister in Kerala appeared before a judicial commission.
In election-bound Kerala, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has made a political statement by deposing before a judicial commission for over 11 hours, after submitting an affidavit or a sworn statement.
The process that started on Monday morning continued till late in the night with a one-hour break for lunch and a short 10 minutes break in the evening.
With Assembly elections expected in four months, the Opposition is gearing up to take on the UDF on these scam allegations. In August 2013, the Left front had laid siege to the secretariat, demanding the Chief Minister's resignation.
Ultimately the Congress-led UDF government formed a judicial commission to probe the Solar Scam, which rocked the in 2013 after several businessmen were duped by Saritha Nair and Biju Radhakrishnan.
The two arrested business partners promised solar panels at cheaper rates and used Mr Chandy's name to gain contracts. Three personal staff members of the chief Minister were suspended after investigations.
Mr Chandy has denied any direct link to this, despite the fact that his staff was found to be linked to the case.
"I have not patronised or backed Team Solar in any way. This alleged scam has not cost the exchequer even one rupee," the Chief Minister told the Commission regarding the cheques amounting to Rs 4 lakh he received front Team Solar. The cheques were for the Chief Minister's relief fund, he said.
Asked by the lawyer of the accused Biju Radhakrishnan, and later by the media that if he was willing to undergo a lie detection test, the Chief Minister said, "Why do I need a lie detection test? What I have said is the truth, with proof and in accordance to my conscience. What allegations are you talking about? Everything has been responded to."
The Left said it was a shame that a chief minister is deposing before a judicial commission, thereby diminishing his stature. "This is the first time a chief minister is deposing.... It is a shame for Kerala," Kaanam Rajendran, the CPI state secretary, told NDTV.