Kerala CM Under Fire: Private Flight Sponsor & Minister Trips Defended
Kerala CM Under Fire: Private Flight Sponsor & Minister Trips Defended
Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan faces scrutiny for a sponsored private flight and ministers' foreign trips, but he defends actions, citing no public funds used.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is currently embroiled in a controversy regarding his recent private flight to flood-affected Malappuram and the foreign trips undertaken by his ministers. Addressing reporters after a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the Chief Minister firmly refused to disclose the identity of the individual who sponsored his flight, despite mounting pressure for transparency.
He maintained that there was
nothing wrong with the trip as not a single penny was spent from the exchequer.
Satheesan elaborated on the circumstances of his travel, stating that his agreement with the helicopter company had expired. Following his participation in the Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi event at Sivagiri, he urgently needed to reach Malappuram due to a disaster that had claimed six lives. "If I hadn't gone, that would have become news.
Since there was no other way I could reach quickly, one of my acquaintances arranged a plane for me. What is wrong in this?" he questioned. He further argued that previous Chief Ministers also utilized private flights without revealing sponsors, and while the benefactor was a "Keralite," their identity would remain undisclosed.
Beyond his own travel, the Chief Minister also came to the defense of Minister for Local Self Governments K.M. Shaji, who has been using a friend's car for official duties. Satheesan explained that Shaji's official vehicle was a decade old and frequently broke down, leading to permission being granted for him to use his friend's car.
He cited similar instances involving former ministers, asserting that such arrangements were not improper.
Adding to the controversies, Satheesan staunchly defended the recent spate of foreign trips by his ministers. He dismissed allegations of potential quid pro quo, emphasizing that these trips did not burden the public exchequer. He highlighted the extensive Keralite diaspora globally, particularly in the Gulf countries, explaining that many organizations and friends invite ministers for various events, often sponsoring their travel.
When such requests for foreign travel are submitted, the government looks at whether it costs the exchequer,
he stated. He affirmed his full sanction for these trips, believing they allow ministers to "learn things from across the world," and pledged to continue approving such travel in the future.
