Patna: The choice of Nitish Kumar-led authorities to purchase a airplane and a helicopter has kicked off a political row in Bihar, with opposition BJP leaders critcising the transfer, saying it should encourage VVIP tradition.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar defended the plan, claiming it was ally-turned-opposition BJP which wished him to purchase them when it shared energy with JD(U) within the state.
“I have no idea what the fuss is about. Many state governments buy planes and helicopters for administrative functions. The BJP wished me to purchase a airplane and chopper once they have been in energy with me,” the Bihar CM stated Thursday.
In the meantime, BJP MP Sushil Kumar Modi stated that such acquisition by the state inspired VVIP tradition. With out straight naming Tejashwi Yadav, he alluded that Nitish Kumar’s buy is perhaps to “please his political successor”.
“Throughout his lengthy tenure as CM of Bihar, Nitish Kumar has by no means felt the need of buying planes or choppers. The federal government’s choice is maybe aimed toward pleasing his political successor. Shopping for a 12-seater jet airplane at the price of Rs 250 crore and a helicopter for one more Rs 100 crore is a joke on the poor folks of Bihar. Upkeep of the airplane and chopper incurs a heavy quantity. It’s at all times cheaper to rent a airplane,” Modi remarked Thursday, whereas talking to The Print.
JD(U) Nationwide President Rajiv Ranjan Singh ‘Lallan’ hit again on the BJP.
“I’m stunned on the response of Sushil Kumar Modi. A airplane costing Rs 8,460 crore is being bought for the usage of PM Modi. The expense of utilizing planes throughout PM Modi’s overseas visits is Rs 2,021 crore. He (Sushil Modi) ought to search a proof from the PM,” the JD(U) chief stated in a tweet.
The choice to buy new plane for the state aviation division was taken in a cupboard assembly Tuesday. A committee is to be constituted for the acquisition and the precise buy will happen throughout the present monetary yr.
Bihar at the moment has a Beechcraft King C90 plane, purchased for Rs 14.5 crore, when the state was below the President’s rule and ruled by late Buta Singh in 2005. It was the final time such a purchase order was made in Bihar.
The deal had its share of controversies as questions have been raised on the logic behind buying an ‘outdated mannequin’. Expenses of kickbacks additionally did the rounds when the airplane was purchased.
The state additionally has a helicopter Dauphin SA 365N, which is at the moment below restore.
Cupboard Secretary S Siddharth, who additionally takes care of the state aviation division, stated the Beechcraft King plane is simply a six-seater airplane, which isn’t a jet, and takes a very long time when any VVIP has to go exterior the state.
“The state authorities has to rent a jet airplane having 10 plus 2 sitting capability at any time when journeys exterior the state are wanted. The airstrips situated in remote districts are brief, making it not possible for planes to land. Subsequently, we’re getting in for the acquisition of a helicopter,” Sidhharth advised ThePrint.
He additionally stated that the plan to buy the plane was not about VVIP motion alone. “The state will probably be utilizing it for regulation and order and catastrophe administration,” he careworn.
Shopping for airplanes in Bihar has at all times evoked controversies. Within the Nineteen Eighties, when then chief minister S N Sinha ordered the acquisition of two choppers for Rs 7 crore, questions have been raised about encouraging VVIP tradition.
When Lalu Yadav first got here to energy, he used to showcase the airplane to his followers, implying he was the one driving it though it was bought by his predecessor Jagannath Mishra.
“Nitish Kumar have to be conscious that controversies will erupt. However what’s the usage of having an aviation division with out having plane,” stated a JD(U) MLA, who didn’t need to be named.
Additionally learn: Why Nitish is cautious about Owaisi’s AIMIM making a mark in Bihar — ‘it might probably wreck us’