THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday lashed out at Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan over the latter's statement that flights carrying expatriates are not arriving in Kerala as the state government is not taking any initiative.

According to the Chief Minister, Muraleedharan seems to be unaware of the Centre government's decisions regarding the evacuation of stranded Indians. "There is something wrong with Muraleedharan. Though he is a Union minister, he seems to be unaware of many of the decisions made by the central government. This is evident from his recent statements. He should better discuss the matter with the Centre." the CM said during the press meet in Thiruvananthapuram.

While stating that several flights have arrived in the state and others are yet to come, the CM pointed out that it is the responsibility of the Union minister to know the details about the flights coming to the state. "Does the Ministry of External Affairs schedule flights as per the state government's orders? Why is he trying to mislead the public through such statements?" the CM added.