The Hindu : 'PM, Advani misusing aircraft'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Dec 10, 2002

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National

'PM, Advani misusing aircraft'

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI DEC. 9. The Congress today accused the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister of misusing Government aircraft for political purposes. The AICC general secretary incharge of Gujarat, Mr. Kamal Nath, said the party would lodge a complaint with the Election Commission.

Speaking to The Hindu from Ahmedabad, Mr. Kamal Nath accused the two leaders of "misusing and abusing the Government machinery for electoral purposes.'' He pointed out that the Home Minister had travelled to Gujarat in a Government aircraft yesterday.

A senior Election Commission official pointed out that due to security considerations, only the Prime Minister was entitled to use IAF aircraft for election purposes, but his party would have to foot the bill for all those who accompany him.

According to senior EC officials, as far as other Ministers are concerned, they cannot use State aircraft for election purposes even if the party is prepared to foot the bill.

However, if the Ministers are on official visit to the State and then participate in election meetings, they are entitled to use State aircraft. Taking advantage of this loophole, Mr. Advani first called on the injured NSG commando in Ahmedabad and then proceeding for election campaign, he alleged.

The Congress party, it may be recalled, was made to pay a hefty sum for using official aircraft by the late Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, and P.V. Narasimha Rao.

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