Karnataka BJP slams Congress government's plan to buy helicopter, jet for VIP travel

Bengaluru: Senior BJP leaders – state party president B Y Vijayendra and Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka – came down heavily on the Congress government over reports of its plan to purchase a helicopter and a private jet for VIP travel on Tuesday.

Both Vijayendra and Ashoka, in their posts on X, described the move as “absurd,” “shameful,” and a clear reflection of misplaced priorities.

Vijayendra, in a post on X, alleged that despite the state government struggling to meet essential financial obligations, it is proceeding with the extravagant purchase of a “5-seater helicopter and 13-seater jet”.

“There is no money for development works, no money to launch new schemes; even government employees are not being paid on time, while the CM’s relief fund does not reach patients fighting life-and-death situations on time. They can’t even pay the basic pension for freedom fighters. In such a pathetic financial condition, this @INCKarnataka government’s setting out to buy a ‘5-seater helicopter and 13-seater jet’ is the height of absurdity,” he said.

The state BJP president said, since coming to power, the Congress government has drained the state’s treasury on extravagant self-promotional events.

“After the Congress came to power, it’s been all about luxurious programmes. They emptied the state treasury to organise events just to show off their self-importance. To splurge taxpayers’ money, they are constantly increasing taxes and prices of daily-use items. Congress will never remember that people give them power to serve the public”. Calling for focus on public issues, he urged the government to withdraw from the aircraft purchase and prioritise urgent development work.

In a separate post, Ashoka highlighted the crumbling public transport infrastructure and financial crisis. “They’ve ruined transport corporations and are auctioning bus stands. Now, buying a helicopter and jet is both ridiculous and shameful,” he said.