The Congress has criticized the airspace lockdown in Jharkhand, imposed to accommodate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flight, for delaying Rahul Gandhi’s travel and disrupting his campaign schedule.

In a letter to the Election Commission (EC), Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh called for ensuring a “level playing field” during elections. Mr. Gandhi’s helicopter was grounded for over an hour in Godda as a “no-fly zone” was implemented due to the Prime Minister’s departure from Deoghar airport after a program in Jamui, Bihar. The delay was further extended by technical issues with the Prime Minister’s aircraft.

“This delay caused disruptions to Shri Rahul Gandhi’s subsequent campaign programs, some of which are now either delayed or canceled,” Mr. Ramesh stated in his letter, urging the EC to prevent such incidents from unfairly benefiting the ruling regime.

Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal also criticized the delay in a social media post, accusing the BJP of attempting to obstruct Congress campaigns. He called the incident a “petty tactic” and highlighted its occurrence on Birsa Munda Jayanti, a significant day when Mr. Gandhi was in Jharkhand to honor the Adivasi leader’s contributions.

Congress leaders have demanded that the EC ensure fairness in the electoral process and prevent disruptions to opposition campaigns.