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Politics
Kerala CM, Opposition Slam Airlines for Hiking Fares, 'Fleecing' NRKs
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 29 Oct 2026, 02:43 PM
👁 2
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan criticized airlines in the state assembly for increasing airfares, alleging that they are exploiting Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs).
A sharp political debate erupted in the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Tuesday as both the ruling government and the opposition united in their criticism of commercial airlines. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan accused the aviation sector of "fleecing" Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) through significant hikes in airfares.
The leaders pointed out that the financial burden on NRKs has intensified due to these price increases, which they described as exploitative. Both sides emphasized that successive state governments have repeatedly raised this issue with the Union Government to seek relief for the diaspora community.
The discussion took a contentious turn when the opposition staged a walkout from the assembly. This protest was triggered by allegations that the government had denied specific benefits to NRKs and dissolved the Loka Kerala Sabha, a body intended to represent the interests of the state's global diaspora.
While the two political camps often find themselves on opposing sides, this instance saw a rare alignment on the economic plight of Keralites abroad. The incident highlights the growing tension between state-level political dynamics and the economic realities faced by the state's significant overseas population.
The leaders pointed out that the financial burden on NRKs has intensified due to these price increases, which they described as exploitative. Both sides emphasized that successive state governments have repeatedly raised this issue with the Union Government to seek relief for the diaspora community.
The discussion took a contentious turn when the opposition staged a walkout from the assembly. This protest was triggered by allegations that the government had denied specific benefits to NRKs and dissolved the Loka Kerala Sabha, a body intended to represent the interests of the state's global diaspora.
While the two political camps often find themselves on opposing sides, this instance saw a rare alignment on the economic plight of Keralites abroad. The incident highlights the growing tension between state-level political dynamics and the economic realities faced by the state's significant overseas population.