Political Storm Over Helicopter Campaigning in Tripura Ahead of ADC Elections

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, April 9, 2026

In a significant escalation of political campaigning ahead of the ADC elections in Tripura, Tipra Motha leader Pradyot Kishore Debbarma traveled by helicopter to Champahaur to address election rallies today. Simultaneously, the Chief Minister of Tripura landed at Sabroom helipad as part of an intensive campaign drive to garner support for ADC candidates.

The use of helicopters by political leaders has now sparked a fresh controversy in the state’s political landscape. Opposition parties, particularly the CPI(M), have strongly criticized what they describe as excessive and contradictory use of air transport for electioneering.CPI(M) State Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury raised sharp questions, recalling how former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar was once heavily criticized by the same political forces for limited use of helicopters. He alleged that those who earlier labeled Sarkar as helicopter-loving are now setting even bigger precedents by frequently using helicopters for campaign travel.Chaudhury further pointed out that helicopter use is no longer restricted to remote and inaccessible areas like Gandacherra or Ganda Twisa. Instead, leaders are now using helicopters to travel to relatively accessible locations such as Sabroom, Champahaur, Teliamura, and even Manik Bazar.He questioned the intent behind such practices, asking whether this reflects genuine concern for the development of the Tiprasa people or merely an attempt to project political grandeur. The controversy has added a new dimension to the ongoing election campaign, with debates intensifying over political ethics, public expenditure, and the symbolism of leadership in Tripura’s evolving political narrative.

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