Rahul Gandhi's plane allegedly denied permission to land in Varanasi
What's the story
The Congress has alleged that Rahul Gandhi's plane was "deliberately" not allowed to land in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, by the airport authorities—under pressure from the government—on Monday night.
Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport reportedly denied landing permission, citing heavy aircraft movement and traffic congestion due to President Droupadi Murmu's visit.
In response, Congress claimed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government was scared of Gandhi.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Notably, Varanasi is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency.
Since its Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Congress appears to have gained ground on the BJP. With the General Election nearing, the tussle between the two biggest national parties is soaring.
The Congress also accused the BJP of trying to stifle Gandhi's voice by removing his remarks in the Parliament questioning PM Modi from the record.
Canceled
Landing permission denied at last minute: Ajay Rai
Returning from his constituency of Wayanad in Kerala, Gandhi's flight was scheduled to land at the Varanasi airport on Monday night but was denied permission "at the last minute," claimed Congress leader Ajay Rai.
Varanasi Airport Director Aryama Sanyal denied the allegations, saying there was no prior information about Gandhi's arrival, adding the air traffic controller had been informed that the landing was canceled.
Twitter Post
BJP government harassing Rahul Gandhi: Rai
आप सब ही बतायें कौन किसपे अकेला भारी है ?? @RahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/GQIfe6q7nh
— Ajay Rai (@kashikirai) February 13, 2023
Itinerary
Gandhi was scheduled to go to Prayagraj
After landing in Varanasi, Gandhi was scheduled to offer prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple, which President Murmu, too, visited on Monday after praying at Kotwal Baba Kaal Bhairav temple.
Notably, it was her maiden visit to Varanasi, during which she attended the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Meanwhile, Gandhi was to attend a function at Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital in Prayagraj on Tuesday.
Information
Not allowed to land hours after president's departure: Rai
Rai alleged that even two hours after President Murmu's departure, Gandhi's plane was not allowed to land in Varanasi on the pretext of air traffic. Separately, the district administration reportedly said that the city roads were chock-a-block as traffic movement eased after the president's departure.