Election campaign aircraft seemed to be grabbing the limelight on Friday. First, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's chopper was denied take-off clearance in Jharkhand, which sparked allegations of political conspiracy. Next, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft to Delhi from Jharkhand developed a snag, delaying his return to the capital. And then, Union Home Minister Amit Shah's chopper was checked by Election Commission officials during a poll campaign in Hingoli, Maharashtra.
Posting a video of the checking on X, Amit Shah said: "My helicopter was inspected by Election Commission officials. BJP believes in fair elections and a healthy election system and follows all the rules made by the Election Commission. We all must contribute to a healthy election system and perform our duties in keeping India as the strongest democracy in the world."
This comes days after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray challenged Election Commission officials to check Amit Shah or PM Modi's choppers during their poll campaigns. Uddhav Thackeray made the challenge during a checking of his chopper by EC officials.
Although Amit Shah has been in and out of Maharashtra over the past few weeks, it is not known whether his bags were checked before or if this was the first time.
Soon after the Shiv Sena alleged that Uddhav was being "targeted" by EC officials, NCP chief Ajit Pawar also posted a video of his chopper being searched. The BJP, too, posted a video of Devendra Fadnavis being subjected to a search at the airport by EC officials. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde's chopper was searched as well.