'Nothing Wrong In Seeking Sponsorships': Kerala CPI(M) Defends Tickets Upto $1 Lakh For Pinarayi's Vijayan's US Event

Former Kerala Minister AK Balan said that the Congress-led Opposition was jealous that the stock of Vijayan was rising hugely. 

The people purchasing gold and silver passes are likely to be seated on dais along with the CM and other VIPs, said the report. 

Source : PTI

A day after a controversy erupted over organisers getting sponsorships for sharing dias and food with Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan during New York visit, CPI (M) defended the sponsorship move. On Thursday, a controversy erupted after allegations that money was charged from 'pravasis' to stand or sit close to CM Pinarayi Vijayan for 'Loka Kerala Sabha' event in the USA. 

According to IANS, former Kerala Minister A.K. Balan said, "What is wrong in seeking sponsorships to celebrate the diaspora event."

"It is surprising that the opposition opposes spending from the government coffers and also when sponsorships are sought. Similar sponsorships were sought when the event was previously held in London and in Dubai. This is an event for the Keralaites and there is nothing wrong in seeking sponsorships," said Balan.

He said that the Congress-led Opposition was jealous that the stock of Vijayan was rising hugely. 

Earlier, brochures of the event went viral on social media. The organisers for the July 9 to 11 event reportedly decided to raise sponsorship for the smooth conduct of the event and issued three types of passes–gold for US $ 1 lakh, silver for US $ 50,000 and Bronze for US $ 25,000.

The people purchasing gold and silver passes are likely to be seated on dais along with the CM and other VIPs, said the report. 

Organiser of the event, Manmadhan Nair from New York told IANS said, "We wanted to give our Chief Minister a rousing reception and hence we sought sponsorships. After the event gets over, the utilization of funds will be audited and will be made public."

Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said, "In a government function and that too when the Chief Minister is taking part an entry ticket means to keep out those who cannot buy the tickets, and thus it becomes an event where only the cash rich can take part and that's what we oppose. It is a function that flaunts richness."