Kochi, 01 October (H.S.):Lulu Group chairman M.A. Yusuff Ali has said he is willing to make his aircraft and helicopter available whenever the country or government needs them, without seeking any benefit in return.

Responding to journalists’ questions about Kerala’s private jet controversy, Yusuff Ali declined to comment on the dispute surrounding Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s flight to flood-hit Malappuram.

“The controversy in Kerala is political. Let those who created it find a solution,” he said.

Yusuff Ali said his ownership of an aircraft and helicopter was known and that he would provide them whenever required by the country or government.

He added that he would not subsequently approach anyone seeking favours or concessions. If he needed anything, he said, rulers in the Gulf would provide it.

The remarks came amid controversy over Satheesan’s use of a private aircraft to visit areas affected by flooding in Malappuram.

Defending the journey, the Chief Minister said emergencies could require travel on privately owned aircraft. He maintained that the trip was undertaken openly and that his flights had not cost the government any money.

Satheesan rejected demands to identify the person who sponsored the aircraft, saying there was no reason to draw that individual into the controversy.

He said the seriousness of the situation in Malappuram required an urgent visit. An acquaintance had arranged the aircraft after he explored ways to reach the affected area, he added.

The Chief Minister argued that failing to visit would have prompted criticism that he had ignored the disaster.

He said a Malayali had arranged the flight and maintained that he would undertake similar journeys again if necessary.

Citing examples, Satheesan said former Kerala chief ministers Pinarayi Vijayan and Oommen Chandy had travelled by helicopter, adding that chief ministers and ministers elsewhere also used such transport for official purposes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman