Rahul Gandhi’s Bengal visit sparks row as helipad at Raiganj allegedly dismantled before rally

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled campaign visit, after a temporary helipad at Raiganj Stadium was allegedly dismantled just hours before his arrival. The Congress has accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of deliberately sabotaging preparations, while the latter has denied the allegations, citing administrative and logistical reasons.

Rahul Gandhi is set to address multiple election rallies across the state, including at Raiganj in North Dinajpur, as well as in Malda and Murshidabad. His visit comes at a crucial time, with the first phase of polling just days away and the Congress contesting the assembly elections independently after a gap of two decades.

Congress leaders have claimed that the helipad was constructed after obtaining necessary permissions from local authorities, and its dismantling was an attempt to disrupt campaign activities. Senior party leaders alleged that the move reflected a lack of political courtesy and raised concerns about fair campaigning conditions. Party workers later undertook repairs to restore the damaged structure ahead of the rally.

However, district authorities clarified that the earlier permission was event-specific and required renewal for subsequent use. Leaders from the Trinamool Congress stated that the helipad had originally been built for a prior event and was dismantled as part of routine clearance, denying any intent to obstruct political activities. The incident has added to the charged election atmosphere in the state as campaigning intensifies.