Former Kerala Minister AK Balan defends seeking sponsorships for Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s upcoming event in the USA, while the Congress-led Opposition criticizes the move.
The Opposition’s Jealousy
Former Minister AK Balan accuses the Congress-led Opposition of being jealous of Chief Minister Vijayan’s rising popularity.
Sponsorship for Diaspora Event
Balan argues that there is nothing wrong in seeking sponsorships for the diaspora event, and it is surprising that the opposition opposes government spending and sponsorships. Similar sponsorships were obtained for previous events held in London and Dubai.
Brochures and Passes
Brochures of the event went viral on social media, revealing that three types of passes were issued: gold for $1 lakh, silver for $50,000, and bronze for $25,000. Those purchasing gold and silver passes will likely be seated on the dais with the Chief Minister and other VIPs.
The controversy arises from allegations that money was charged from ‘pravasis’ (non-resident Keralites) to have the opportunity to stand or sit close to CM Pinarayi Vijayan during the ‘Loka Kerala Sabha’ event in the USA.
The organizers of the event defended the sponsorship move, stating that the funds would be audited and made public after the event. The event is intended to celebrate the Keralaites living abroad, and seeking sponsorships is considered a legitimate means of ensuring its smooth conduct.
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