The Karnataka government’s move to buy a helicopter and a private jet for VIP travel has set off a political storm, with the opposition BJP accusing the Congress-led administration of indulging in luxury at a time when state finances are under strain.
Government move under scrutiny
Currently, the state hires aircraft for official travel. However, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed that the government has decided to acquire its own fleet.
“The government will soon call a tender for it. The Chief Minister has entrusted me and a few ministers with the responsibility of looking at buying a helicopter and a special plane. We will study what other states are doing and make a decision. We are also going to discuss with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL),” Shivakumar told reporters.
The Deputy Chief Minister recently met ministers KJ George and Byrathi Suresh to discuss the proposal. He added that the plan had been pending for several years and was being revived now.
Opposition slams “luxury spending”
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused the government of misplaced priorities.
State BJP chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa said it was “ironic” that the Congress government was planning to purchase a five-seater helicopter and a 13-seater jet when development funds were scarce.
“There is no money for development projects, government employees’ salaries are being delayed, pensions for freedom fighters are not being disbursed on time, and the Chief Minister’s relief fund is failing patients in critical conditions. Yet the government wants to buy luxury aircraft,” Vijayendra said.
He further alleged that the Congress had “emptied the state treasury” since coming to power by organising extravagant programmes and raising taxes on essential goods to fund “lavish expenditures.”
Proverb to drive home point
Yediyurappa invoked a Kannada proverb to criticise the move, saying, “There’s no food in the stomach, but there’s a jasmine flower in the hair.”
According to him, the government should focus on addressing citizens’ grievances, accelerating urgent development projects, and ensuring welfare disbursements before considering such purchases.
Next steps
Despite the opposition’s criticism, the state government appears firm on moving forward. Officials said the procurement process would follow a tender system, and discussions with HAL would shape the final decision.
The row comes at a time when Karnataka is grappling with financial challenges, including pressure on welfare schemes and public infrastructure demands.
Whether the purchase will be pushed through or delayed in the face of political backlash remains to be seen.