Let Leader of Opposition raise criticism on helicopter issue, don't just troll: VT Balram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress leader and MLA V. T. Balram has responded to criticism over Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan allegedly misusing the government's hired helicopter. In a Facebook post, Balram said that if the helicopter rented by the government is being misused in any way, the issue should not be reduced to trolling him on social media.

He said it is the responsibility of the state's official Opposition to raise the issue seriously and hold the government accountable. According to Balram, the Leader of the Opposition is given cabinet rank, along with official facilities such as a car, residence and staff, to perform this role. Balram urged the Leader of the Opposition to raise the helicopter issue responsibly and said the government should respond to the allegations.

Earlier, former minister M. B. Rajesh and others had criticised the Chief Minister's helicopter travel. Rajesh alleged that the helicopter had been used twice for personal purposes.