He said Stalin despite being aware of DMK’s former union minister Raja using a similar facility, still had criticised the use of military air ambulance for Panneerselvam’s brother. Achari said, “In 2001, when Raja was the union health minister, I was his personal secretary. About 20 days before Deepavali, we both came to Tamil Nadu from Delhi. I went to my home, while Raja went to his Perambalur house.” 

When Raja went to Thuraiyur from Perambalur, his car met with an accident. Achari said when he knew about the mishap, he arranged for Raja’s treatment in a private hospital in Tiruchy. “At that it was decided that Raja should be brought to Chennai Apollo Hospital for treatment. I requested the then Defence minister George Fernandes if he could arrange a military air ambulance for Raja,” Achari said.

The then Defence minister clearly stated that he could use his special powers and rights to send military aircraft for the emergency use of any Indian citizen, Achari said. A military aircraft was sent to Tiruchy in another 35 minutes to take Raja to Tambaram Air Force Station, he said. He also added that Raja’s wife, brother and himself, were in the same air ambulance. 

Talking to reporters, the BJP leader said the Defence minister had every right to order the use of military aeroplanes and helicopters for any Indian citizen on humanitarian grounds. Stalin, who is not aware of this had criticised Nirmala Sitharaman in a demeaning way, he said. The BJP leader said Stalin was aware of the incident since the DMK working president visited Raja in hospital to enquire about his health. “I do not know why Stalin is saying that it is wrong to send a military ambulance to help Panneerselvam’s brother,” he added