Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP of Political Sabotage After Helicopter Incident

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of political sabotage after her helicopter was grounded due to expired licenses. This incident forced her to travel by road to Bongaon, where she turned the disruption into a public outreach opportunity. The BJP dismissed her claims as absurd, while officials acknowledged a significant procedural lapse. An investigation is underway to determine how the oversight occurred. Banerjee's strong remarks against the BJP highlight the escalating political tensions in the state as elections approach.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 25, 2025, 20:28 IST

Political Tensions Rise in West Bengal

Bongaon (WB): On Tuesday, West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP-led central government of engaging in 'political sabotage' after her helicopter journey to Bongaon was abruptly canceled. Officials cited that the aircraft was grounded due to expired licenses and insurance issues.

Banerjee, who opted for a road trip to the Matua region amidst concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, revealed she was informed at 10 AM that the helicopter would not be operational, just two hours before her planned arrival at 12:30 PM.

"I apologize for my delay. I haven't used a helicopter in several months. This morning, just before I was set to leave, I learned that the chopper was grounded. The elections haven't even started, yet the confrontations have begun," she stated to a large crowd in North 24 Parganas district, refraining from naming any individuals.

Intensifying her criticism of the BJP, the TMC leader remarked, "Don't play games with me. When I engage, you won't see it coming. You won't be able to politically outmaneuver me. I refuse to be sidelined."

After her car journey, she noted that the road trip unexpectedly turned into a public engagement opportunity. "I encountered numerous people along the way. What better way to connect?" she remarked, turning the setback into a campaign advantage.

The BJP dismissed Banerjee's claims of sabotage as absurd. State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya responded, "These accusations are ridiculous. If the authorities deemed the helicopter unfit to fly, there must be valid reasons. She should refrain from politicizing every situation."

Meanwhile, senior officials labeled the incident a significant procedural error. They explained that the helicopter, which had not been used by the chief minister for nearly six months, had completed its required trial flight on Monday, but the expired license and lapsed insurance were overlooked during inspections.

"The expiration of the license should have been flagged immediately. Allowing the trial flight without proper document verification is unacceptable. The lapse was not reported during the check and only came to light early Tuesday," an official stated.

Sources indicated that the chief minister was visibly upset. "Such negligence is intolerable, especially concerning VVIP movements. She has requested a comprehensive explanation," an official from the Chief Minister's Office mentioned.

An investigation has been launched to ascertain how this oversight occurred and why it was not communicated beforehand.