1 hr ago

Satheesan Defends Chartered Aircraft, Probe and Spending Decisions

V.D. Satheesan defended several decisions made by his government.

These included investigating the CMRL-Exalogic matter and using aircraft for travel.

He said the helicopter was part of a contract signed by the previous government.

That contract cost Rs 80 lakh each month and was not renewed after three years.

Satheesan also used a friend’s chartered aircraft to reach Malappuram after a deadly landslip.

He said he would use such an aircraft again if needed.

He defended ministers travelling abroad to learn about ideas that could help Kerala.

He said the government’s goal was to save public money and prevent money from being lost.

Key facts

CMRL-Exalogic inquiry: A Crime Branch team is expected to conduct a preliminary inquiry before any decision on registering an FIR.
People named in inquiry: The matter involves former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and son-in-law P.A. Mohammed Riyas.
Helicopter contract: The previous LDF government’s agreement cost Rs 80 lakh per month and lasted three years.
Contract status: The helicopter agreement expired and the new government decided not to extend it.
Chartered aircraft: Satheesan said a friend offered the aircraft he used to reach rain-hit Malappuram.
Foreign travel: Satheesan said diaspora organisations, including groups in the UAE, invited ministers and arranged their tickets.
Spending objective: The government says it aims to prevent wasteful expenditure and plug leakages from the state exchequer.

NDTV · 1 hr ago