‘Freebie’ row over Satheesan’s chartered flight to flood-hit Malappuram dominates Keralam politics

A ‘freebie’ row centring on Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s recent travel to flood-hit Malappuram district on a chartered flight lent by an “anonymous benefactor” appeared to dominate the political narrative in Keralam on Thursday (September 24, 2026).

The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) is organising painting competitions across Keralam, urging the public to use their “imagination” to conjure up the likeness of the “mysterious sponsor” whose identity Mr Satheesan had refused to reveal.

In a somewhat cynical jibe at the rolling power cuts roiling Keralam, the DYFI has offered an emergency lamp as the top prize, along with candles as a consolation prize.