Thiruvananthapuram, Sept. 23 -- Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday said the families of those who died in the recent rain-related disaster would receive Rs 8 lakh financial assistance, while strongly defending his use of a privately arranged aircraft to visit the affected areas of Malappuram.
Addressing a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, Satheesan said not a single rupee from the state exchequer had been spent on his air or helicopter travel and there was no impropriety in using an aircraft arranged by a private individual during an emergency.
The Chief Minister said his visit to Malappuram was essential as six people had died in the disaster. Had he not visited the affected area, questions would have been raised...