Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister V D Satheesan has found himself in yet another controversy. Barely a day after facing criticism over his helicopter journey, Satheesan has now come under fire for attending a private lunch hosted by a Muslim League functionary in Ponnani on Saturday even as Kerala grappled with widespread devastation due to heavy rain and flooding.Photographs and videos of Satheesan’s visit to the residence of Muslim Youth League vice-president Faisal Bafakhi Thangal for lunch were shared on social media by the host. They quickly went viral, drawing criticism from political opponents and social media users who questioned the appropriateness of the visit when heavy rain displaced thousands in the state.Opposition members alleged that CM should have been directly coordinating relief and rescue operations instead of attending a private function. They contrasted Satheesan’s actions with those of the previous LDF govt during natural disasters. They said the then CM Pinarayi Vijayan had cancelled all engagements to personally monitor relief measures while assigning ministers to oversee operations in affected districts.The latest issue comes barely 24 hours after Satheesan drew flak over his use of a govt helicopter. The opposition alleged that CM used the state aircraft for a visit to Kochi for personal purposes, claiming he travelled to meet his father-in-law, who was undergoing medical treatment. Govt has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.The helicopter controversy has reignited debate over Satheesan’s earlier criticism of similar travel during the previous LDF administration. Opposition supporters have circulated old social media posts by Satheesan and former Congress MLA V T Balram, in which they had questioned the then govt’s decision to hire a helicopter for CM’s travel.As Leader of the opposition, Satheesan had described the expenditure on helicopter services as “the height of extravagance”, arguing that the state, despite facing financial constraints, was spending nearly ₹80 lakh a month on helicopter operations. Balram had also criticised the decision in a strongly worded social media post.The opposition is now using both controversies to sharpen its attack on the UDF govt, accusing Satheesan of inconsistency in his past positions and present actions. UDF, however, has rejected the allegations, maintaining that the criticism was politically motivated and aimed at diverting attention from govt’s flood relief efforts.
