Govt using public money for image-building, says Satheesan

Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan on Monday raised serious questions regarding the state government's spending on the fourth anniversary celebrations, alleging that public money is being used not just for advertisements but also for undisclosed payments to media houses for prime-time promotion and political image building.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Alappuzha

Speaking to reporters at a 'Meet the Press' programme in Alappuzha, Satheesan criticised the LDF government for extravagant spending. "They said the celebration would cost ₹26 crore, but even if ₹200 crore is spent, their celebration will not end. As much as ₹15 crore was spent just to display Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's photographs across Kerala," Satheesan said. He demanded that the chief minister clarify whether media houses are being paid for promotional activities beyond standard advertisements, such as airing documentaries du