Leader of Opposition in India's Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi faced an unexpected delay while campaigning in Jharkhand's Godda. On Friday (November 15), his helicopter was cleared to take off after 45 minutes, awaiting Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearance. Indian media NDTV reported this news.
Election campaigning for the final phase of the Jharkhand Assembly is going on in full swing. The Congress claimed that the ATC's move was a planned ploy to disrupt Rahul Gandhi's campaign. Party leaders alleged that Rahul Gandhi's movement was being blocked to prioritize Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally at Deoghar in Jharkhand.
Congress MLA and Mahagama constituency candidate Deepika Pandey Singh said Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to cross the area only because the Prime Minister is in Deoghar. We understand the protocol. But Congress has ruled the country for 70 years, never before with any opposition leader. This cannot be accepted.
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had attacked the BJP, alleging that the party was indifferent to the backward classes. He said that in Jharkhand, BJP has reduced reservation for backward classes from 27 percent to 14 percent. On one hand Narendra Modi says he belongs to the backward class, on the other hand they reduce reservations, grab land and create unemployment through demonetisation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plane also suffered a technical glitch at Deoghar airport, about 80 km away. This delayed his return to Delhi. He is scheduled to inaugurate an event at the Sai Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in Delhi in the evening.
The second phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections will be held on November 20. The first phase of polling was completed on November 14. On that day, polling was held in 43 out of 81 constituencies in the state. The election results will be declared on November 23.
