A recent incident involving Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s helicopter delay has sparked a political row, with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) raising questions about adherence to protocol at Ranchi Airport. The controversy comes in the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the poll-bound state on Monday, which temporarily restricted the airspace.
The JMM filed a formal complaint to President Droupadi Murmu, alleging that airport authorities imposed a 90-minute delay on the chief minister’s departure, due to the sudden declaration of a “no-fly zone.” In response, Jharkhand’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), K. Ravi Kumar, attributed the delay to airport officials’ failure to follow protocol. Kumar clarified, “A political party raised issues over equal use of airspace and airports of Ranchi and Deoghar. We held a meeting with the Ranchi Airport director, where it was confirmed that any restriction or closure of airspace must be informed with sufficient notice,” reported The Indian Express.
The no-fly zone was reportedly imposed in connection with security measures for the Prime Minister’s visit, which temporarily restricted Ranchi’s airspace. Kumar confirmed that he has requested a clarification report from airport authorities on why these established protocols were not followed. “Action will be taken after the report is received,” he added.
The JMM has expressed concerns that this incident reflects a broader issue of discrimination against the ruling party in Jharkhand, suggesting that Soren’s position was sidelined in favor of political considerations. The party maintains that airport authorities should facilitate fair usage of airspace and prioritize state leadership’s movement when necessary.
