Rahul Gandhi Chopper leaves after brief stop, alleged conspiracy by Congress

Godda:

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi today faced an unexpected delay as his helicopter remained grounded in Jharkhand’s Godda awaiting clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC).

The helicopter was allowed to take off after a 45-minute delay, amid high-stakes campaigning for the final phase of the state’s assembly elections.

The Congress alleged that the raid was a calculated move to disrupt Gandhi’s campaign programme. Party leaders pointed fingers at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Chakai, about 150 kilometers from Godda, indicating that the ATC’s decision prioritized the Prime Minister’s event over Mr Gandhi’s moves.

“Just because the Prime Minister is in Deogarh, Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to cross that area… There is a protocol which we understand, but Congress has ruled the country for 70 years and such an incident has not happened to any opposition leader. This is not acceptable. ” said Deepika Pandey Singh, MLA and Congress candidate from Mahagama constituency.

About 80 km away, at Deoghar airport, Prime Minister Modi’s plane encountered a technical problem that forced the aircraft to remain at the airport, causing a delay in its return to Delhi.

The second phase of Jharkhand assembly elections will take place on November 20. The first phase of voting ended on November 14 for 43 of the state’s 81 seats. The election results will be counted on November 23.