The Congress on Thursday sparred with the Left Democratic Front government on the issue of hiring a helicopter at “tremendous expense” for VIP travel. It contrasted the controversial aircraft lease with the “cash-strapped” government’s “cruel reluctance” to compensate needy paddy farmers.
Actor Jayasurya’s statements at a government-sponsored agricultural fest at Kalamassery in Ernakulam on Tuesday catalysed the controversy regarding the government’s “misplaced” financial priorities. Mr. Jayasurya suggested at the meeting that government’s alleged apathy towards the travails and tribulations of farmers inhibited the youth from taking to agriculture. Quoting a fellow actor, Mr. Jayasurya said paddy farmers faced a crippling six-month delay in getting paid for the paddy procured from them by the government, forcing many into debt traps.
