Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi faced an unexpected delay after his helicopter remained grounded in Jharkhand’s Godda awaiting clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC).

Reportedly, the helicopter was allowed to take off after a delay of 45 minutes amid high-stakes campaigning for the final phase of the state’s assembly elections.

The Congress alleged that the hold-up was a calculated move to disrupt Rahul Gandhi’s campaign schedule. Reports said that the party leaders pointed fingers at Prime Minister 

Narendra Modi’s rally in Chakai, about 150 kilometres from Godda, suggesting that the Air Traffic Control’s decision prioritised the PM’s event over Mr Gandhi’s movements.

Congress MLA from Mahagama Constituency, Deepika Pandey Singh said that just because the PM is in Deogarh, Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to cross that area. Calling the delay unacceptable, the Congress MLA said that there is the protocol they understand but Congress ruled the country for 70 years and such an incident never happened with any opposition leader. 

She further added that during Lok Sabha election BJP have frozen bank accounts, created hurdles for the opposition, and now the party is obstructing their campaign efforts to prevent them from contesting election on equal footing. 

Earlier, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren sought President’s intervention over the delay in his chopper takeoff due to concern over PM Narendra Modi’s security. Kalpana Soren also alleged that she was prevented from flying to campaign in Latehar and accused the BJP and opposition parties for hindering the party’s effort to reach people.  

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft experienced a technical glitch due to which the aircraft had to remain at the Deogharh airport causing a delay in his return to the national capital. 

The first phase of Jharkhand Assembly Election 2024 was held on November 13. The second phase will be held on November 20. The results for the election will be declared on November 23. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary in Bihar’s Jamui. He tried his hand at playing traditional tribal instruments for the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas celebrations.

A video shows the Prime Minister enthusiastically beating a traditional dhol, engaging with the local tribal customs as part of the 150th birth anniversary year commemoration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. He also received a traditional tribal welcome, during which he participated by playing an indigenous musical instrument.

Furthermore, PM Narendra Modi also unveiled a commemorative coin and postal stamp in honor of the revered tribal freedom fighter, acknowledging his legacy and contributions to India’s independence.

In a major boost to development in Bihar, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 6,640 crore. Reportedly, these initiatives are aimed at driving infrastructure and socio-economic growth across the state. He also virtually took part in the Grih Pravesh ceremony for 11,000 tribal family dwellings constructed under the PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).

In a bid to strengthen healthcare facilities in distant tribal regions, he launched 23 mobile medical units (MMUs) as part of PM-JANMAN, alongside 30 additional MMUs under Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA). Reports said that the inauguration included 10 Eklavya Model Residential Schools and 300 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, designed to support enterprise development and enhance living standards.

He also inaugurated two Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museums situated in Chhindwara and Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and two Tribal Research Institutes in Srinagar and Gangtok, dedicated to preserving tribal community heritage.

Additionally, he also laid the foundation for 500 km of fresh roadways and 100 multi-purpose centres serving as community facilities in tribal areas. PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for construction of 25,000 new residences under PM-JANMAN, 1.16 lakh houses under DAJGUA, and 370 accommodation facilities for tribal students.

To prevent further deterioration of air quality in the national capital region, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Thursday decided to invoke Stage III of the GRAP in Delhi NCR with effect from 8:OO am on November 15 in addition to all actions under Stage I and II.

According to the statement released by CAQM, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) will not permit BS-III and below diesel-operated LCVs (goods carriers) registered outside Delhi, to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities providing essential services.

The construction work, except the projects needed for national security, healthcare, and certain public infrastructure work, will be banned.

The GRAP III measures to mitigate the effects of air pollution in Delhi NCR include intensifying the frequency of mechanised sweeping of roads, daily water sprinkling along with dust suppressants, before peak traffic hours, on roads and right of ways including hotspots, heavy traffic corridors and proper disposal of the collected dust in designated sites/ landfills.

All demolition works, earthwork for excavation and filling including boring and drilling works, and any transportation of demolition waste are banned with the implementation of GRAP III measures to fight air pollution.

With the implementation of Stage 3, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi may decide on discontinuing physical classes in schools for children up to Class V and conducting classes in an online mode following the implementation of the  GRAP III.

Earlier in the day, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said the third phase of the Graded Response Action (GRAP 3) will not be imposed for now. He said that for the first time, the Air Quality Index has gone above 400 in Delhi.

Pointing out the reason behind severe category air quality after poor and very poor AQI since October 14, the Environment Minister said that meteorologists have reported that due to snowfall in the mountains, a drop in the temperature of Delhi has been recorded. Owing to this, dry conditions have been created in the morning and evening in the entirety of North India, he said.