Using private jet may put Mamata in trouble

With the absence of a helicopter to ferry her to Trinamool Congress rallies, party chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has resorted to using a private jet, which could bring her trouble if she is questioned by the Election Commission.

Banerjee is availing the services of a small private jet, which is registered under the name of pharmaceutical company Alchemist – owned by Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP K D Singh, to commute from one rally to the other. While the model code of conduct allows the use of such an aircraft, the political leader has to prove on paper that it is being used for official election purposes. Trinamool leaders, however, are tight-lipped about her using the aircraft.

The party, while presenting its statement of account, also has to submit that the private jet comes as a favour to the party leader from one of its MPs.