New Delhi [India]: Amid the hue and cry by Shiv Sena over the checking of its leader Uddhav Thackeray’s helicopter in Yavatmal, sources in the Election Commission clarified that enforcement agencies are strictly following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for a level playing field.
Helicopters of Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda were also checked during the election.
During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a similar issue was raised in Bihar. It was clarified then that helicopters of prominent leaders, including BJP National President JP Nadda, were checked by enforcement agencies.
Specifically, Nadda’s helicopter was inspected in Bhagalpur on April 24, 2024, and Home Minister Amit Shah’s helicopter was checked in Katihar on April 21, 2024, as per SOP.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, during the announcement of the ongoing assembly elections, also emphasized that enforcement agencies have been directed to check the helicopters of all leaders to ensure a level playing field.
This move aims to prevent any undue influence or misuse of power during the elections and to maintain fairness and transparency in the electoral process.