Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Wednesday defended his private aircraft travel, Local Self-Government Minister KM Shaji’s use of an NRI-owned Range Rover, and the foreign trips of Sports Minister OJ Janeesh and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, saying the arrangements did not involve state funds.

Satheesan had took a chartered plane, travelling from Bengaluru to Kozhikode before visiting Malappuram, where a devastating flash flood claimed five lives. Responding to demands from the opposition CPM that he disclose who sponsored the flight, the Chief Minister explained that a personal friend arranged the aircraft and he saw no reason to drag private plane owners into political debates. He added that disaster relief funds are intended exclusively for helping victims rather than funding official air travel.

Dismissing the allegations, Satheesan argued that Chief Ministers across India frequently utilise private aircraft when necessary. "Almost every Chief Minister from every state has travelled on private flights, including Pinarayi Vijayan," he stated. "Only a few important people have private flights, and it is not fair to accuse these people. Not a single paisa from public money was spent on my private flight travel. A friend offered me this travel and there is no need to spend lakhs when another means is available. I will travel on private flights in the future as well".

Satheesan further stressed that no official favours were extended to anyone in exchange for the trip, nor would any be granted in the future. He pointed out that during his previous role as Leader of the Opposition, he regularly made overseas trips at his own expense without drawing from government funds.

Protocol approval for ministerial vehicle

Addressing allegations surrounding LSGD Minister KM Shaji's use of an NRI friend's luxury Range Rover, the Chief Minister clarified that official protocol rules were fully followed. He held up the official written authorization, noting that the protocol department granted permission after the minister's government vehicle suffered a mechanical breakdown on the road.

Reacting to opposition complaints regarding the journey, Satheesan remarked sarcastically: "Someone's car broke down, and the protocol department permitted that minister to travel in another vehicle. Travelling a few hours extra beyond the two days' permission—is that a serious crime?"

Highlighting his government's broader commitment to fiscal discipline, Satheesan noted that ministers continue to drive vehicles that are nearly ten years old. "Our ministers have been using even 10-year-old vehicles, which were used by former ministers," he said. "A new vehicle purchase for the ministers won't cause a serious financial crisis, but it will not give a good message to the society".

Satheesan also defended foreign visits by ministers, explaining that state funds were not spent as Malayali diaspora associations and alumni groups sponsored the travel and purchased the tickets. The remarks come as Kerala Sports Minister OJ Janeesh and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala face criticism from the political opposition over their foreign visits.

Helicopter contract and pilgrimage plans

Touching upon state expenditure and security practices, Satheesan revealed that he routinely travels to Delhi alone without taking security personnel or administrative staff, despite objections from police chiefs. "The Kerala CM is the only CM to travel to Delhi alone. Even the DGP, Chief Secretary, and Delhi Police complained and advised me not to travel alone," he remarked.

Regarding the state's chartered helicopter service, Satheesan confirmed that the monthly contract of ₹80 lakh has expired and negotiations are underway to lower the lease costs, even as police and disaster management teams requested its retention for emergencies. "The contract period of the state government's rented helicopter has come to an end," he explained. "There is no need to make a contract with an Rs 80 lakh per month expenditure. We are in discussions to reduce the rent amount with the concerned administration. Although, the state police and disaster management have requested to maintain the rented helicopter for emergency operations".

Turning to logistical preparations for the Sabarimala pilgrimage, the Chief Minister confirmed that the government is actively rectifying initial operational lapses highlighted by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). He announced that he will chair a review meeting at Pampa to ensure smooth arrangements, confirming that the current administrative board members will be retained. "The government held discussions with the Devaswom Board," Satheesan stated. "The government is ambitious for a smooth pilgrimage season at Sabarimala. The Chief Minister will preside over a meeting at Pampa and we'll review if previous decision where prosecuted timely. As of now, the government has decided not to change the administrative board members of Travancore Devaswom Board and the government is working towards the Sabarimala pilgrimage with the current TDB members".