Kerala CM defends controversial helicopter trip, lunch amid floods, says ‘politicising meal is unfortunate’
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan defended his use of a helicopter and a lunch meeting during the state's flood crisis, dismissing criticism as politically motivated. He argued that his travel was for official investment meetings and that his administration has been actively managing the disaster response.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the intense public and political scrutiny faced by leaders during natural disasters and the role of media in shaping public perception.
Responding to the controversy over his helicopter trip to Kochi and a lunch at the residence of a Muslim Youth League leader in Ponnani even as the State faced floods, Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Monday (August 3, 2026) said it was “unfortunate and heinous to politicise a meal” he had during the crisis.
Addressing a press conference, Mr. Satheesan said he had been monitoring the flood situation “since 5 a.m.” and had reviewed developments with the Revenue Minister, Chief Secretary and District Collectors. “It was unfortunate that the lunch I had around 3 p.m. was being used for political and media propaganda,” said Ms. Satheesan.
In a sarcastic remark, he said he was “unaware that the previous Chief Minister” had observed a fast during the 2018 floods. “I have only now realised that a Chief Minister should not eat food in such situations,” he remarked.
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