New Delhi: K.V. Thomas, Kerala's Special Representative in Delhi, has responded to the controversy surrounding the travel allowances sanctioned for him. He clarified that the amount of ₹11 lakh is not solely for his travel allowance. The amount includes the travel expenses of the Kerala House Resident Commissioner as well.

His clarification comes in the wake of sharp criticism levelled against him by senior CPM leader G. Sudhakaran.

"I usually travel in economy class. From 2023 to 2024, my expenses were below ₹5 lakh. The issue arose when an additional ₹6 lakh was requested. I had called the Resident Commissioner, and now he, too, was traveling with me. That is how this additional amount was included," K.V. Thomas said.

He added that his honorarium is ₹1 lakh, and the remaining amount is his pension. K.V. Thomas further said that he is receiving this due to his previous service.

Earlier, while speaking to the media, senior CPM leader G. Sudhakaran had said that K.V. Thomas, a former Congress leader and Ernakulam DCC president, receives between ₹10 lakh to ₹30 lakh per month. “What would he do with such a huge amount? Would he boil it and eat?” Sudhakaran asked.