Phase-I poll
STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The campaign for the first phase of the Assam Assembly poll is undoubtedly at its feverish pitch. As many as 14 helicopters have been flying in the State for various political parties, spending around Rs 2 crore daily.
With the date – March 27 – for the first phase of the poll coming closer the campaign is scaling newer heights. This time around, the campaign is multi-pronged. Apart from conventional public rallies, there are virtual rallies. The campaign through the ever-active social media also seems to be very influencing.
According to sources, around Rs 2 crore is spent on helicopters daily by various political parties for campaign. Leading from the front is the BJP that has hired as many as seven helicopters. It has given one of the seven copters to its ally AGP for campaign. Similarly, the Congress has hired four helicopters, one each by the AIUDF, BPF and the AJP. All these helicopters take off from the Veterinary College playground at Khanapara, Guwahati.
The expenditure front is even more eye-catching. The BJP spends Rs 1.50 crore daily only for helicopters. The Congress, on the other hand, spends Rs 40 lakh-50 lakh for helicopters daily.
The fare of a single-engine helicopter per hour is Rs 1.2-1.5 lakh and that of double-engine copter is Rs 3 lakh per hour. Even if any of the helicopters doesn't fly on a day, the fare has to be paid.
When asked as to why they depend so much on helicopters at a time when the Election Commission is keeping its watchful eyes wide open, a leader of the BJP said, "With the help of helicopters our star campaigners can address at least three public rallies at venues far apart from one corner of the State to the other."
Response from a leader of the Congress is no different.
However, there are other reasons as well. When a star campaigner lands near the venue of a public rally the gathering becomes higher. For a section of people the helicopter is of more attractive than the campaigner.
A source said that when AIUDF president Badruddin Ajmal lands near the venue of a public rally, the number of visitor swells, and the main attraction is the copter.