Kerala CM Satheesan's use of private jets sparks opposition row

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has come under fire from opposition politicians over his repeated use of private charter flights, with critics calling for greater transparency around the cost and necessity of the journeys.

Opposition leaders have questioned whether the expense of hiring private aircraft is justified and are pressing for a full accounting of how frequently such travel has occurred and who has borne the financial burden.

The controversy has added fresh ammunition to rivals seeking to put the state government on the defensive, with demands growing that stricter guidelines be introduced to govern how senior ministers and officials travel on official or semi-official business.