‘Was it wrong to have lunch? I didn’t go for a feast, nor did I take helicopter to a party conference’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Monday said an emergency meeting of district collectors was held to assess the rain situation in Kerala. He said floodwaters were yet to recede in a few areas of Pathanamthitta district, while the situation in the rest of the state was largely under control. He was speaking at a press conference.

"There are currently 316 relief camps functioning across the state. The Disaster Management Secretary had convened a meeting and taken precautionary measures in advance. So far, 15 people have lost their lives in the rain-related incidents.

The government has decided to provide Rs 10,000 towards the funeral expenses of those who died. Families whose houses were flooded will receive Rs 10,000 as immediate assistance. The families of those who died will be given Rs 8 lakh as compensation. Those who lost their homes will receive Rs 12 lakh to purchase land and construct a new house. A meeting will also be held to increase compensation for farmers who suffered crop losses," the Chief Minister said.

'Misinformation being spread through social media'

The Chief Minister dismissed reports which claimed that all dams in the state were being opened, calling them false.

"This was a flash flood. There were no warnings until late at night. The extremely heavy rain occurred suddenly. Meetings were held on July 30 and August 1, and all relief camps were kept ready. However, it was not possible to predict exactly where the sudden heavy rain would occur. We issued all necessary alerts as soon as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning was received. Preparatory meetings were held even before the monsoon, and all procedures had been put in place. There has been no lapse on our part. A large amount of misinformation is being spread through social media," he said.

CM addresses controversy over attending lunch event

Responding to criticism over attending a lunch event during the floods, Satheesan said he first received information about the flooding at 5 a.m. and immediately contacted all ministers and district collectors.

"I was informed that there was no need for me to travel to the affected area at that time. I then attended my scheduled programme. I had lunch at around 3:00 PM that day. Apparently, that was my biggest mistake. I wasn't aware that the then Chief Minister had gone without food during the 2018 and 2019 floods.

What kind of smear campaign is this? Was it wrong that I had lunch? What a disgraceful allegation. I did not go there for a feast; I went there to have a meal. If eating food on the day of the floods is considered my biggest mistake, let the people of Kerala judge it," he said.

Helicopter controversy

The Chief Minister also responded to criticism over his use of a helicopter.

"I travelled by helicopter only to Kochi for an investment meeting. Initially, I had planned to travel by Vande Bharat train, but I had to reach the venue quickly because the participants had to leave in the evening. My helicopter journey did not cause the government any financial loss. When Pinarayi Vijayan was Chief Minister, he also used a helicopter to attend party conferences. I am not raising that issue. I travelled for a programme that was beneficial to the state," Satheesan said.