Keralam CM refuses to divulge details of individual who sponsored private flight, defends Ministers’ foreign trips, Shaji’s use of friend’s car

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan | Photo Credit: THE HINDU

Amid a raging controversy over Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s alleged lack of transparency in chartering a private plane to travel to the flood-affected regions in Malappuram on Monday, the Chief Minister has refused to divulge the details of the individual who sponsored the trip.

Also Read: ‘Freebie’ row over Satheesan’s chartered flight to flood-hit Malappuram heats up Keralam politics

Responding to questions at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting here on Wednesday, he said there was “nothing wrong with the trip as not a single penny was spent from the exchequer.”

“I will continue to take such flights if the need arises,” he said.

“The agreement with the helicopter company had expired on September 19. After participating in the Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi event at Sivagiri, I had to reach Malappuram immediately, as six people had died in the disaster. 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?” asked Mr. Satheesan.