Patna: As election fever peaks in Bihar, the sky is buzzing with helicopters ferrying politicians from one rally to another. According to election observers, political parties are collectively spending around ₹2.5 crore daily on helicopters for campaign travel across the state.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hired the highest number of choppers — 12 helicopters, costing the party an estimated ₹1.5 crore per day. In total, about 23 helicopters are flying daily over Bihar for election campaigns.
BJP Leads in Air Campaigns
The BJP’s air fleet includes helicopters ferrying senior leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and party president JP Nadda. Other leaders — including Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Dharmendra Pradhan, Giriraj Singh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Chief Ministers Yogi Adityanath, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Devendra Fadnavis, Rekha Gupta, and Mohan Yadav — have also been actively crisscrossing Bihar.
With 40 star campaigners, the BJP has the most extensive air operation in the state. The NDA alliance, comprising BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, has 14 helicopters in total. Of these, 12 are used by BJP leaders, while two are operated by the JD(U) for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and party president Lalan Singh.
Tejashwi Yadav Flies the Most
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), led by Tejashwi Yadav, has rented two helicopters for campaign purposes. One is used exclusively by Tejashwi, while the other is shared among senior party leaders.
Tejashwi has been holding up to a dozen rallies per day, often covering multiple districts within hours. His twin-engine Bell 429 helicopter is known for its speed and comfort, featuring leather interiors and advanced navigation systems.
Even Tej Pratap Yadav, leader of the Janashakti Janata Dal, has arranged a helicopter for his personal campaigning, symbolically referring to it as his “flying chariot.”
Inside Bihar’s Airborne Election
A total of 23 helicopters are flying across Bihar daily for election-related activities. Helicopter rentals range between ₹10 lakh and ₹11 lakh per day, depending on the make, engine type, seating capacity, and onboard facilities.
Campaigning leaders typically arrive in Patna on chartered aircraft, before switching to helicopters to reach remote constituencies. Officials said 4–5 chartered planes carrying top leaders land at Patna airport every day during the campaign period.
PM Modi’s High-Security Air Fleet
Prime Minister Narendra Modi travels to Patna aboard his B777 “Air India One” aircraft, equipped with missile defense systems and advanced communication suites. Each of the two such aircraft costs around ₹8,400 crore.
From the airport, Modi boards an Indian Air Force Mi-17V5 helicopter — a heavily armored, missile-resistant military transport aircraft modified for VIP movement.
Nitish Kumar’s Airbus H145
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar uses an Airbus H145 twin-engine helicopter, rented at around ₹2 crore per month. Known for its safety and easy access, it features rear clamshell doors and seating for eight passengers.
Tejashwi’s Twin-Engine Bell 429
In contrast, Tejashwi Yadav’s Bell 429 helicopter is built for speed and comfort, designed to cover long distances quickly while offering a luxurious ride.
₹42 Crore Spent in 23 Days
Between October 16 and November 7, parties have reportedly spent over ₹42 crore on helicopter rentals, crew meals, aviation fuel, and related taxes. Analysts say the spending underscores how air travel has become central to Bihar’s modern election strategy, with leaders racing to cover multiple constituencies daily.
