'Don't let controversies grow'; Senior leader MM Hassan publicly rejects Chief Minister's stance on flight controversy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: M.M. Hassan, former KPCC President and senior Congress leader, publicly disapproved of the statement made by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan regarding the flight controversy. Hassan pressed for the need for immediate responses to cut short controversies and suggested that the opposition not be offered space to level allegations.

"Controversies are often created by the media. Anyone would feel uneasy if they were constantly bombarded with questions at every moment. Everyone reacts differently. Everyone must exercise caution to ensure we do not provide the current opposition with the chance to level the same allegations that the UDF raised when it was in the opposition. Responses should be given immediately when such controversies arise,” said Hassan.

Many view Hassan's remarks as an indication of growing dissent within the party regarding the Chief Minister's response at the press conference concerning the flight controversy. However, no one was willing to comment publicly on the controversies. The Chief Minister lost his temper with journalists yesterday when asked for a response on issues including the chartered flight journey. Senior leaders within Congress have signalled their disapproval of such behaviour.

The police barring journalists from questioning the Chief Minister today also sparked strong protest. Assistant Commissioner Peter K.J. blocked journalists who had arrived to cover a function attended by the Chief Minister at Gokulam Park in Kochi. Since the Chief Minister holds 'Z-plus' security status, the Assistant Commissioner instructed the journalists to keep their distance from him.