EC Enforces Fair Play: Helicopter Checks Spark Debate in Election Season

The Election Commission clarifies SOP enforcement after Shiv Sena protests helicopter checks on leader Uddhav Thackeray. Similar checks conducted on Amit Shah and JP Nadda during Lok Sabha elections. Chief Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasizes fairness, transparency, and preventing undue influence in elections.

In response to the uproar from Shiv Sena over the helicopter inspection of its leader, Uddhav Thackeray, in Yavatmal, the Election Commission has clarified that enforcement agencies are adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to maintain a level playing field during elections. Helicopters belonging to Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda were also subjected to similar checks.

During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a parallel situation occurred in Bihar, where helicopters of key political figures, including BJP National President JP Nadda, underwent scrutiny by enforcement agencies. Specifically, Nadda's helicopter was investigated in Bhagalpur on April 24, 2024, while Home Minister Amit Shah's helicopter was examined in Katihar on April 21, 2024, in line with SOP.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, during his announcement of the ongoing assembly elections, reaffirmed the directive for enforcement agencies to inspect the helicopters of all leaders. This action is intended to prevent any undue influence or misuse of power during elections, ensuring fairness and transparency within the electoral process.

(With inputs from agencies.)