Kerala CM defends chartered flight to Malappuram, announces Rs 8 lakh aid for rain victims

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 23 (UNI) 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…