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The article details a series of events occurring during the final phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, highlighting a technical snag faced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft and a subsequent delay experienced by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi's helicopter. Both incidents occurred on November 15, 2024, amidst the high-stakes political campaigning leading up to the election on November 20.
Prime Minister Modi's Delhi-bound flight encountered a technical issue at Deoghar Airport in Jharkhand after concluding his election rallies in the state. The aircraft was grounded to address the issue, though details about the specific technical snag remain undisclosed. The incident underscores the logistical challenges and potential disruptions that can arise during high-profile political campaigns, especially those involving prominent leaders.
Simultaneously, Rahul Gandhi's helicopter faced delays in Jharkhand's Godda, waiting for clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC). This delay, lasting approximately 45 minutes, occurred during a crucial phase of campaigning for the Jharkhand Assembly elections. The Congress party attributed the delay to a deliberate disruption, alleging that the ATC prioritized Prime Minister Modi's rally in Chakai, approximately 150 kilometers away, over Gandhi's campaign schedule.
The Congress, through its leader Jairam Ramesh, formally submitted a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) expressing concern about the alleged bias and requesting an intervention to ensure a level playing field in campaigning. The party argued that such preferential treatment for the ruling party's leader could unfairly limit the campaign efforts of the opposition.
In response to the Congress's accusations, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also holds the position of BJP co-in-charge for the Jharkhand Assembly elections, countered by stating that such protocol practices were common during visits by former Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi and Manmohan Singh. He playfully suggested that Gandhi could utilize the extra time for a brief rest.
The events highlight the intense competition and potential tensions that can arise during elections, particularly when influential leaders are involved. While the technical glitch faced by PM Modi's aircraft may have been an unforeseen incident, the delay faced by Rahul Gandhi's helicopter raises concerns about potential political maneuvering and its impact on fair campaigning.
Source: PM Modi’s Aircraft Faces Technical Snag in Jharkhand, Return To Delhi Delayed