Technical Snag Grounds Maharashtra Minister's Helicopter

A technical issue was discovered in a helicopter meant to transport Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde for Zilla Parishad polls in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. This caused a delay in her scheduled journey to Latur. The minister continued her campaign travel, despite the snag, amid heightened anxiety after a recent crash.

A technical snag was detected in a helicopter meant to transport Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde for campaigning in the Zilla Parishad polls, an airport official reported. The issue was discovered late on Monday night, hours before her planned departure to Latur.

Munde had arrived in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar via a chartered plane and was scheduled to continue her journey by helicopter. However, a routine inspection by the aviation company revealed technical problems, resulting in a delay of her journey by two hours, according to an official statement.

Despite the helicopter being old, Munde did not raise objections and continued her campaign. The minister's travel comes amidst increased anxiety following the recent fatal crash involving Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and others.

(With inputs from agencies.)