Kerala CM Satheesan’s chopper journey draws flak from CPI(M)
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is facing criticism from the opposition CPI(M) for using a government-hired helicopter for a personal visit to Kochi. Critics have labeled the move hypocritical, citing the Chief Minister's past criticisms of similar expenditures by previous administrations.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing political friction in Kerala and the use of public resources by elected officials, which remains a sensitive topic for voters.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is in the firing line from the Opposition for using a helicopter hired by the State government primarily as an air ambulance and for other emergencies for an alleged personal visit to Kochi.
Mr. Satheesan reportedly flew aboard the helicopter from Golf Club in Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi on Friday to visit his father-in-law, who was undergoing treatment. However, inclement weather prevented the helicopter from landing, and it returned to Thiruvananthapuram. Reports suggest the journey was made later.
CPI(M) State committee member M.B. Rajesh slammed Mr. Satheesan for using the helicopter “for personal purposes, with prime-time actors in [his] lap remaining in silent mode”, in an oblique criticism of prime-time television anchors for not covering the issue. As Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Satheesan had criticised the then LDF government for its “extravagance” in hiring the helicopter.
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