Thiruvananthapuram, Sept. 23 -- Strongly defending his travel on a private aircraft, Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Wednesday clarified that not a single paisa from public funds was spent on the trip, asserting that he would continue to use private flights if offered by well-wishers in the future.

The clarification follows criticism after Satheesan took a chartered flight on Monday, September 21, 2026, travelling from Bengaluru to Kozhikode to visit Malappuram where a devastating flash flood claimed the lives of five people.

Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Chief Minister Satheesan stated that it is common practice across the country for Chief Ministers to travel by private aircraft when required.

"Almost ev...