Shah's helicopter has 'narrow escape', government denies report
What's the story
A video depicting Union Home Minister Amit Shah's helicopter departing from Bihar's Begusarai was initially reported as having a "narrow escape" on Monday. However, the government has clarified that there were no such concerns or incidents. Shah addressed rallies in Madhubani and Begusarai on Monday. While Begusarai votes in the third phase on May 7, Madhubani votes on May 20 in the fifth phase.
Social media
A video showing copter's takeoff goes viral
A video of the "incident" shows Shah's helicopter hovering at a low altitude, appearing to be very close to the ground. It tilts to the right, seemingly on the verge of touching down, before the pilot regains control. Subsequently, the helicopter smoothly ascends and proceeds along its intended route. The video went viral in late afternoon on Monday.
Twitter Post
Watch the viral video here
Begusarai, Bihar: Home Minister Amit Shah's Narrow Escape as Chopper Briefly Loses Control pic.twitter.com/jjM470qi4H
— IANS (@ians_india) April 29, 2024
At poll rally
Shah takes swipe at INDIA bloc
Earlier in the day, while addressing a public rally, Shah said that "making Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the PM for the third term means ending the 'casteism' in Bihar and to begin a politics based on merits." He took a swipe at the opposition grouping and said that if "the INDI alliance [the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance] win, who will be the PM?"
Lok Sabha elections
7-phase polls in Bihar
In Bihar, the Bharatiya Janata Party is contesting on 17 seats, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) 16 and Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) on five. Two other National Democratic Alliance partners—Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Upendra Kushwaha-led Rashtriya Lok Morcha—will contest on one seat each. The general elections in Bihar are being held in seven phase.