Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheeshan’s air travel to Malappuram by a chartered flight, on September 21, has stirred a hornets’ nest in the state, while Local Self Government Department (LSGD) Minister K.M. Shaji has also faced criticism for using his friend’s luxury SUV instead of his official vehicle. The developments have raised a question: when ministers use vehicles or aircraft provided free of cost by private individuals, friends or sponsors, is there any exchange of favours involved?
CM Satheeshan’s visit was for an on-the-spot study of the natural calamities, including landslides, that occurred in the district. Immediately, the discussion arose regarding who picked up the tab for the chartered flight. The plane was reportedly brought from Bengaluru. The Chief Minister’s Office stated that there was unavailability of flights to Karipur Airport, Kozhikode.
Government sources informed that the private plane was made available free of cost as a response to the state government’s request in view of the urgency of the matter. They added that not a single rupee of the taxpayer has been spent on the flight.
The lease of the helicopter that the former government headed by CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan had taken had expired on September 19. The government has not renewed it. Chief Minister V.D. Satheeshan had flown by a 10-seater VT-AYS plane reportedly belonging to Akasa Air. The estimated amount to be spent at Thiruvananthapuram and Karipur airports for landing, parking and take-off operations is Rs 1 lakh. The approximate rent for such a plane is Rs 10 lakhs.
Since the government has not disclosed the name of the sponsor, opposition parties have come out with criticism. They maintain that the Chief Minister should not have availed himself of a sponsor’s favour for discharging his duties.
Meanwhile, Local Self Government Department (LSGD) Minister K.M. Shaji has invited the wrath of the people for using his friend’s luxury SUV Range Rover instead of his official vehicle Innova Crysta.
When the controversy broke out, the Indian Union Muslim League leader returned the vehicle to the owner. The Range Rover belonged to Yaqub from Thillankerry, Kannur district. He is a leader of Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), which is reportedly active in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries including Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah), the United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman), Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
The controversy arose when Shaji used the friend’s vehicle displaying the official number plate. Opposition alleged that it is a violation of the oath and an unauthorised favour.
But the minister came out with an explanation that his official vehicle Innova Crysta was old and had run more than 4 lakhs kilometres, hence he used his friend’s vehicle. Moreover, no rent and cost of fuel have been claimed from the treasury. He posted this on his social media post.
Now, the minister is on a foreign trip. He had returned the vehicle before he left. It is not clear if he is going to use it again when he returns.
Now, a question arises: Can the government not provide a car for the minister when his government vehicle is not good for travel? Is it not a shame for the government if a minister has to depend on his friend for availing a vehicle?
