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The delay was reportedly caused due to certification issues as cited by DGCA but TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee alleged that it was a “conspiracy” by the BJP-led Centre
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee was scheduled to fly from Kolkata at approximately 12.30 pm to reach Rampurhat in Birbhum district on January 6, 2026. (Image: PTI/File)
It looks like even a chopper cannot escape the intensifying poll battle in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress and BJP got into another back-and-forth over a two-hour delay faced by Abhishek Banerjee in travelling to a rally in Birbhum district.
This delay was reportedly caused due to “technical” and certification issues as cited by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) but Banerjee alleged that it was a “conspiracy” by the BJP-led Centre that was up to its “tricks” before the upcoming assembly election.
Banerjee, who is the TMC’s national general secretary, accused the BJP of intentionally obstructing his travel to a public rally at Birbhum’s Rampurhat. He said this was done to sabotage his campaign schedule.
He was scheduled to fly from the Behala Flying Club in Kolkata at approximately 12.30 pm to reach Rampurhat in Birbhum district on Tuesday. But he claimed that he was forced to leave the city nearly two hours later than planned due to a “non-receipt of permission from anti-Bengal forces” to fly in his designated helicopter.
Addressing a massive gathering later in the afternoon, the TMC MP apologised for the delay saying even though the elections have not officially commenced, the BJP has already started with its “tricks”.
“I want to apologise for being late. The election has officially yet not commenced. But through SIR (special intensive revision), the BJP has started with its tricks. My chopper was not given clearance. The BJP thinks these tricks will stop me but I am 10 times more stubborn than the BJP,” Banerjee said.
Refusing to be deterred by the “permission complication”, he said he “used his wits” and contacted Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, arranging to borrow a private aircraft from him to reach the venue.
“Since my chopper didn’t receive clearance – I spoke to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and arranged his chopper to come for this meeting. I had decided that come what may, I will be reaching the venue as a Trinamool soldier to address even 10 people if they would be present at the venue. What I saw, despite being late – mothers and sisters have turned out in large numbers, not only at this ground, but outside too. I am thankful to them,” he said.
Despite the delay, Banerjee reached Rampurhat at 3.45 pm to address the public meeting and pay his obeisance at the Tarapith Kali Temple.
WHAT DID THE DGCA SAY?
The DGCA, however, said the delay was not a political decision as is being suggested but was strictly technical.
According to the DGCA, the issue arose because the certification for M/S Carewell Aviation, the operator providing the helicopter for Banerjee, was still under process. It said while the operator offered the helicopter for the January 6 flight, the table-top exercise and proving flights were only conducted on January 2. It added that documentation was completed and submitted on January 5, and the air operator permit (AOP) was eventually issued at approximately 2.30 pm on January 6, well after Banerjee’s original scheduled departure.
WHAT DID THE TMC AND BJP SAY?
The TMC leadership slammed the delay as a “conspiracy hatched by the BJP”, with MP Samirul Islam claiming the saffron party is “afraid” of Banerjee’s meetings.
The BJP has dismissed these allegations as “baseless”. Union minister and former state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar said the DGCA prioritises safety and security of VIPs, preferring a “little delay” over compromising flight security. He said the BJP is not privy to the DGCA’s operational details, which are based on ensuring routes are clear and safety protocols are met.
January 06, 2026, 18:32 IST
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