Increase in demand for helicopters for campaigning drives up prices

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In the run-up to the 2023 Assembly elections in Karnataka, the demand for helicopters has significantly increased among political parties. The parties want the choppers to transport their star campaigners across the state for election rallies.

According to reports, the demand for helicopters has gone up by 25% compared to previous elections. This surge in demand is primarily due to the convenience and speed that helicopters offer to political parties to cover a vast area in a short time. The use of helicopters during election campaigns is not new in India, and it has become increasingly popular among politicians.

Helicopters are often seen as a status symbol and have been used in the past to project the strength and importance of a political leader. The use of helicopters also allows political parties to cover areas that are difficult to reach by road or train. The increased demand has led to a rise in prices, making it difficult for smaller parties to afford them, hence making it challenging for regional parties to compete with national parties.

As a result, many smaller parties have been forced to rely on road travel or trains, which can be time-consuming and less efficient. However, political parties believe that the use of helicopters is essential to reach out to voters in remote areas.

Many parts of Karnataka are difficult to access, particularly during the monsoon season when roads become impassable. The use of helicopters allows political leaders to travel to these areas quickly and efficiently. It also allows them to cover more ground and hold more rallies, which can be critical in a tightly contested poll.

This increase in demand has created opportunities for helicopter rental companies, who are offering a range of services to political parties. Some companies are offering customized helicopters with political party logos and colors, while others are offering special packages that include air travel and ground transportation.