CM Soren's helicopter delayed due to PM's protocol! JMM writes to President

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has officially requested intervention from President Droupadi Murmu regarding an incident involving Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s helicopter, which was delayed for more than 90 minutes on November 4 due to security protocols associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jharkhand. The assembly elections are scheduled for November 13 and 20, with the counting of votes to take place on November 23.

In a letter addressed to the President, JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya detailed the timeline of events leading to the helicopter's grounding. On November 4, Prime Minister Modi was visiting Garhwa and Chaibasa, leading to the imposition of a no-fly zone within a 50-kilometer radius of his locations. The JMM claimed that Soren's helicopter was unable to take off due to these restrictions, which reportedly exceeded the standard 15-minute limitation established by the Election Commission for security-related flight prohibitions.

The chief minister had planned an election meeting in Gudri, West Singhbhum, starting at 1:15 PM, with a subsequent rally scheduled for 2:25 PM at Bazaar Tand in Simdega district. The travel distance between Gudri and Chaibasa is approximately 80 kilometers, while Simdega is about 90 kilometers away from Gudri. According to the JMM, both events had received prior approval from the Election Commission, which regulates campaign activities and schedules during election periods.

Bhattacharya also highlighted that the restrictions on Soren’s helicopter were unprecedented, suggesting that the extended delay hindered his ability to participate in scheduled campaign events. The JMM emphasized the importance of providing equal access to all political leaders and star campaigners during the electoral process, particularly for those representing marginalized communities, such as tribal populations.

In response to the JMM's claims, BJP officials defended the security measures as necessary protocols when the Prime Minister is in the vicinity. Babulal Marandi, BJP’s state president, remarked that such restrictions are standard practice and have been implemented during previous administrations as well. Additionally, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is overseeing BJP's campaign in Jharkhand, reiterated that the security of the Prime Minister necessitates stringent air traffic regulations during his visits.