Bongaon : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday claimed her scheduled helicopter trip to Bongaon was deliberately called off, hinting at political interference and cautioning the BJP against attempts to obstruct her movements.
She was originally set to arrive in Bongaon, in North 24 Parganas, at around 12:30 pm but received an unexpected message at 10 am stating that the chartered aircraft would not be operating. As a result, she travelled more than 100 kilometres by road to reach the venue, arriving close to 2 pm, where a large crowd had gathered amid increasing unease over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.
An official source, however, stated that the flight was grounded because the helicopter’s operating licence had expired, prompting authorities to cancel the journey due to safety concerns.
Addressing supporters, Banerjee said that the arrangements for the helicopter had been confirmed well in advance and alleged the change in plans was driven by political considerations. She noted that she had avoided helicopter travel for several months and questioned why the problem arose only on the day of her programme.
Transforming the disruption into a moment of outreach, the Chief Minister added that the road journey allowed her to connect directly with people along the route. According to her, the impromptu interactions became an unexpected advantage, strengthening her bond with the public.
Stepping up her criticism, the Trinamool Congress leader warned political rivals against attempts to intimidate or isolate her, asserting that she could not be sidelined by such tactics. She reiterated her preference for ground travel and emphasized that no one could pressure or corner her into submission.
Her comments came against the backdrop of growing tension in Bengal’s refugee-dominated areas, where reports suggest dozens of deaths, including alleged suicides, linked to anxiety surrounding the ongoing SIR verification process.
Offering reassurance, Banerjee pledged to continue her fight, accusing both the BJP and the Election Commission of spreading fear among citizens. She affirmed that Bengal would stand firm against any move that threatens people’s democratic rights.
