Amit Shah's helicopter gets new venue for landing

The drama over the landing of BJP national president Amit Shah's helicopter for a rally ended on Monday, a day ahead of the event. It was decided that the chopper would land within the property of Golden Park Hotels and Resorts in Malda, West Bengal where Shah would put up before leaving for the public meeting.

Shah's helicopter was scheduled to land in Malda airport and from there he was set to reach the venue, but the district administration had denied permission saying that the place was under repair and was not suitable for landing.

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad alleged that the Trinamool Congress-led state government in West Bengal was abusing its power to block Shah's helicopter from landing. Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that the excuses put forward by the district administration were not true. Showing a picture of the helipad, he said, "The helipad is absolutely clear. In fact CM Mamata Banerjee herself had used the helipad some time ago."

Mamata, however, denied all allegations saying the BJP was misinforming people. "Police had denied permission on security ground and suggested another venue... We don't compromise with security," Mamata said.