The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has written to President Droupadi Murmu alleging that Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s helicopter was grounded for over 90 minutes due to security protocols related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jharkhand. The ruling party is urging the President to intervene and ensure that all parties have a fair opportunity for their star campaigners during the assembly elections.
In the letter, the JMM stated that Soren’s helicopter was unable to take off because of a no-fly zone implemented for PM Modi’s visit to Garhwa and Chaibasa on Sunday. JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya explained that Soren was scheduled to address an election meeting in Simdega at 2:25 PM after a prior meeting in West Singhbhum at 1:45 PM, while PM Modi was set to speak in Chaibasa at 2:40 PM. The distance between Gudri, where Soren was, and Chaibasa is about 80 km, and it is 90 km to Simdega. Despite receiving approval from the Election Commission for his itinerary, Soren’s helicopter was delayed due to the Prime Minister’s security arrangements.
Bhattacharya noted that the Election Commission had stated that no-fly zones could only be declared for 15 minutes within a 50 km radius for security purposes, yet Soren’s flight was grounded for far longer.
In the letter, the JMM highlighted that their Chief Minister, who comes from a tribal background, achieved his position through significant struggle, urging President Murmu—who also belongs to a tribal community—to ensure that all star campaigners, especially those representing tribal interests, receive equal constitutional protection and respect.
The Jharkhand assembly elections are scheduled to take place in two phases on November 13 and November 20, with vote counting set for November 23.