EMBARRASSED CPI(M) TO FOOT KERALA CM’S CHOPPER BILL

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala could foot the bill for chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s helicopter flight to a party function in Thrissur last December, after allegations that money from Cyclone Ockhi relief fund was used for the journey.

The row erupted at a time the government was requesting people to contribute to the relief fund. “The CM has made it clear that it was done without his knowledge. The party is capable enough to foot the bill,” said state tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran. Another leader, Anathalvattom Anandan, said they would investigate the “lapse”.

The lapse being referred to is the ₹8 lakh helicopter bill sanctioned from the disaster relief fund by additional chief secretary PH Kurian after the CM’S flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Thrissur on December 26 to attend a party district committee event. Vijayan returned to Thiruvananthapuram in the chartered helicopter for two functions in the state capital, including a meeting with the central team that came to review the damage. Thereafter, he flew back to the party meet.

State revenue minister E Chandrasekharan sought an explanation from the additional chief secretary. Vijayan cancelled the official’s order later, saying it was done without his knowledge. Opposition Congress and BJP demanded an apology from the CM.

However, justifying his trip, Vijayan said, “There is no room for any controversy. As the CM, I have to often take such trips. I rushed to the state capital to meet the central team that came to study Ockhi damages.” He added, “Some people are spreading canards as if I committed some burglary. Had I skipped the meet, it would have triggered another controversy.”