The Karnataka government has decided to drop the controversial idea of purchasing a new helicopter and a special aircraft for the travel of its highest VVIPs, instead opting to explore wet lease options to manage the state’s VIP air travel needs.
The decision was made during a high-level committee meeting chaired by deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday at the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi. The committee was constituted by the chief minister to deliberate on acquiring an aircraft or helicopter for facilitating the travel of the governor, chief minister, and deputy chief minister, especially during emergency and special circumstances.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Shivakumar confirmed the change in strategy.
“The chief minister
formed a Cabinet Sub-Committee for this purpose,” Shivakumar stated. “We had initially approached Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) asking for a helicopter. We had made a request when [defence minister] Rajnath Singh came for the Aero Show. HAL indicated that it would take time.”
The deputy chief minister emphasised that preserving the state’s finances is paramount and confirmed the government would not proceed with a purchase. “The government’s money is important, there is no question of purchasing,” he said. “The discussion revolved around taking it on wet lease or on rent, we will pay per hour.”
A tender was reportedly floated earlier, but some potential bidders did not respond, leading to the tender being called for a second time. Ministers KJ George, MB Patil, Satish Jarkiholi, and Byrathi Suresh, along with various officials, participated in the crucial meeting. The committee is set to convene again.
Backlash Over Initial Proposal
The original proposal floated earlier this year to purchase a 5-seater helicopter and a 13-seater jet had drawn sharp criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which termed the plan “utterly ironic” amid the state’s reported financial distress.
In September, state BJP president Vijayendra Yediyurappa had slammed the government, citing delays in salaries, development funds, and relief disbursements. “There is no money for development projects… and even the pensions of freedom fighters are not being provided. And in such a deplorable financial state, the Congress government’s decision to purchase a ‘5-seater helicopter and a 13-seater jet’ is utterly ironic,” BY Vijayendra had said.
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