BJP says Amit Shah's chopper denied permission to land in Malda, attacks Bengal govt

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Monday accused the West Bengal government for abuse of power after its president Amit Shah's helicopter was denied the permission to land in Malda.
BJP president Amit Shah is scheduled to address a rally in Malda, West Bengal on Tuesday.
Hitting out at the state government, Union minister Piyush Goyal claimed that it showed Banerjee was "scared" of his party's growing influence in the state.
"The desperation and fear of the Trinamool Congress and Mamata Banerjee are clearly visible in this decision. The state government is trying to block every programme of Amit Shah, be it a rally, yatra or the landing of his chopper," he told reporters.
Goyal also sought comments from opposition parties like the Congress on the matter, saying if a BJP government had obstructed political programmes of rival parties' leader, then it would be accused of "intolerance".
The BJP had written to Malda district magistrate seeking permission for landing of Amit Shah's chopper on Monday. However, the DM replied to the BJP stating that some construction work was going on at the Malda airport and hence it was "not safe" for landing of a helicopter.

"Upgradation work at Malda airport is going on. Sand and material is lying around the area. Airport is not suitable for safe landing of helicopter. Permission not possible," the DM said.
In response, the BJP wrote to the DM saying, "Malda airport is now being used by WB government for landing their helicopters every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport is not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of the WB government?"
Lashing out at the TMC government, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the permission for the helicopter to land was denied on the ground that airport renovation work is going on and some construction material is there but at the same helipad, Mamata ji's helicopter landed a few days ago.
He said, "Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat and clean. Helicopters are landing and can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of government power, landing of helicopter of Amit Shah ji has been denied."
However, West Bengal chief minister accused the BJP of falsely claiming that her government had denied permission. She said, "Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said the chopper of Amit Shah should land at some other place, I also change my chopper's landing on the police request. We granted permission for the meeting as we believe in democracy. They (BJP) are distorting information and misleading people."
(With agency inputs)