Chartered flight controversy: Chief Minister VD Satheesan avoids media questions

THODUPUZHA: Chief Minister VD Satheesan declined to respond to questions from the media regarding the controversy over his use of a chartered flight. After completing a review meeting on land-related issues in Idukki, Satheesan was approached by journalists seeking clarification on the allegations related to the flight. However, he refused to comment.

The Chief Minister asked the journalists to move aside, saying that he was not meeting anyone. He also directed the police to move the media personnel away from the spot. He said the situation was causing difficulty for people, including women, and that he wanted to meet those who had arrived with complaints. Satheesan was in the district to attend various programmes. Following the review meeting, he also received petitions from members of the public.

The controversy relates to the use of a chartered flight by the Chief Minister to visit areas affected by rain-related damage in Nilambur. According to information that has emerged, a bill for Rs 19,88,595 was issued by Kelachandra Logistics, the company that provided the aircraft, to Chipson Aviation. However, it remains unclear whether Chipson Aviation has paid the amount.

The Chief Minister had earlier said that the government had not borne the cost of the chartered flight. He said the sponsorship arrangement was used to ensure that the government incurred no financial liability, and that there was no requirement to disclose the name of the individual or organisation providing the sponsorship.

Meanwhile, the issue has also brought attention to the helicopter hired by the previous government from Chipson Aviation at a monthly rate of Rs 80 lakh. Although the contract was later terminated, the company's request for its renewal is currently under the government's consideration.
The Opposition has alleged that accepting free travel facilities from the company while its request for renewal of a government contract is under consideration amounts to a violation of the oath of office.