Patna: The high-decibel campaigning for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, covering 121 constituencies across 18 districts, concluded at 5 pm on Tuesday. The phase saw an intense air campaign with 260 helicopter trips and 60 chartered flights undertaken by political leaders from both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA bloc).
According to official data, NDA leaders made 256 helicopter trips, while those of the opposition alliance accounted for 64 flights. Campaigning activities were briefly halted for five days due to Diwali, Chhath festivities, and unfavorable weather conditions.
Of the 18 districts going to the polls in the first phase, 16 are located near Patna, with Madhepura and Saharsa being the exceptions.
Top Leaders Dominate Aerial Campaign
On behalf of the NDA, prominent leaders including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, BJP National President JP Nadda, Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Dharmendra Pradhan, and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary conducted multiple rallies via helicopter.
Chief Ministers from several BJP-ruled states also joined the campaign trail. Meanwhile, from the INDIA bloc, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and former Chief Ministers Ashok Gehlot (Rajasthan) and Bhupesh Baghel (Chhattisgarh) led the charge with extensive aerial tours.
The second phase of polling will be held on November 11 across 122 constituencies in 20 districts, with campaigning scheduled to end on November 9.
₹40 Crore Spent on Helicopter Campaigns
Election officials and aviation sources estimate that political parties collectively spent around ₹40 crore on helicopter campaigning in the first phase alone. Currently, 18 helicopters are operational for election-related travel, with the number likely to increase in the coming days.
During the 2020 Assembly elections, held amid the COVID-19 pandemic, only 12 helicopters were used, and total spending on air campaigning was about ₹25 crore.
A three- to four-hour helicopter flight costs between ₹10–11 lakh, while the hourly rate ranges from ₹2–2.5 lakh, excluding GST. Parties must also bear additional costs for crew accommodation, fuel, and logistics.
Air Campaigning at Record Scale
With Bihar witnessing a fierce contest between the NDA and the INDIA bloc, air campaigning has reached unprecedented levels. As both alliances eye the crucial first phase, the skies over Bihar’s political heartland have turned into a battleground of promises, rallies, and high-pitched appeals to voters.
