The Opposition in Kerala has criticised Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, alleging that he used a state-leased helicopter for personal purposes while the state was facing heavy rains and flood-related challenges.
The Opposition claimed that Satheesan travelled by helicopter from Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi last Friday to visit his father-in-law, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in the city. However, the Chief Minister’s aides rejected the allegation, stating that the trip was primarily to attend scheduled official programmes in Kochi, and that he met his father-in-law during the visit.
The helicopter took off from Thiruvananthapuram at around 9.30 am on Friday but had to return after nearly 90 minutes due to bad weather conditions. It later resumed its journey at around 12.30 pm and landed at Kochi airport in Nedumbassery by 2 pm.
The state government has leased the helicopter at a cost of ₹80 lakh per month, with the agreement allowing up to 25 flying hours each month. The payment remains the same even if the helicopter is unused, while additional charges apply for flights exceeding the monthly limit.
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The helicopter was originally hired during the previous LDF government’s tenure for emergency purposes, including rescue operations during natural disasters, urgent VVIP travel, medical emergencies and other critical requirements. The State Police Chief recently recommended extending the lease, citing its importance during emergencies.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also faced criticism after visuals of him having lunch at a house in Ponnani during his visit to the Malabar region went viral on social media.
Responding to the criticism, Ponnani MLA K. P. Noushad Ali defended the Chief Minister, questioning whether the CM was expected to avoid meals while travelling during the monsoon. He said Satheesan had visited Ponnani to meet senior Congress leader C. Haridas and later had lunch at the residence of senior Muslim League leader Ahammed Bafaki Thangal, who is a neighbour and close friend of Haridas.
Ali accused the Opposition of sharing visuals from the visit with political intentions, saying the Chief Minister’s schedule involved official engagements.
The controversy has sparked debate in Kerala, with both sides defending their positions over the Chief Minister’s travel and activities during the period of heavy monsoon rains.
