'Should apologise': CPM slams Kerala CM over attending events during rain crisis

The ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) has harshly criticized Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan for attending events during a severe rain crisis, alleging that his actions were inappropriate and ill-timed while thousands of people in the state were suffering from disaster-related losses. CPM Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim shared pictures of Satheesan attending an event in Ponnani, Malappuram, and dining at the residence of a Youth League leader, stating that it was completely inappropriate to prioritize personal interests and hospitality over official responsibilities during such an unprecedented emergency.

The criticism comes as Kerala is grappling with landslides and floods triggered by heavy rain, resulting in several deaths.

Former CPM leader and former education minister V Sivankutty, speaking at a press conference, likened Satheesan's actions to Nero fiddling while Rome burned, drawing parallels with the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government's handling of floods and the Covid-19 pandemic. Sivankutty also accused Satheesan of misusing the government's helicopter for personal purposes, including two trips between Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, which were not used for disaster relief or any urgent official requirement.

He urged the chief minister to apologize to the people of Kerala and recover the entire expenditure for the trips. Meanwhile, Kerala Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh responded to reporters' queries, emphasizing that the focus should be on providing relief to the affected people and avoiding political allegations during the crisis.