BJP Mocks Karnataka's Plan To Buy Chopper, Jet For VIP: 'Empty Stomachs, But Jasmine In Hair'

Last Updated:September 03, 2025, 11:07 IST

The Karnataka government decided to buy the aircraft for VIP travel, as the state currently hires helicopters and private jets on rent, according to state officials

Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra and CM Siddaramaiah | Image: File

The Karnataka BJP came down heavily on the Congress government over its decision to buy a helicopter and a private jet for VIP travel, accusing it of spending public funds on luxury when there’s no penny left for development works.

The Karnataka government decided to buy the aircraft for VIP travel, as the state currently hires helicopters and private jets on rent, according to state officials.

In a post on X, state BJP chief Vijayendra alleged that even as the state government struggles to meet essential financial obligations, it is moving ahead with the extravagant purchase of a “5-seater helicopter and 13-seater jet".

“There is no money for development works, no money to launch new schemes; even government employees are not being paid on time, while the CM’s relief fund does not reach patients fighting life-and-death situations on time. They can’t even pay the basic pension for freedom fighters. In such a pathetic financial condition, this @INCKarnataka government’s setting out to buy a ‘5-seater helicopter and 13-seater jet’ is the height of absurdity," he said.

“This reminds one of the proverb: ‘Even if there’s no food in the stomach, there’s a jasmine flower in the hair.'"

The state BJP president alleged that since coming to power, the Congress government has been draining the state treasury on extravagant self-promotional events.

He urged the government to scrap the proposed aircraft purchase and instead focus on pressing development needs.

Congress leader and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar defended the government’s move, saying that the decision to buy VIP aircraft had been pending for many years.

“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 HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited)."

Ronit Singh

Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be...Read More

Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be...

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Karnataka, India, India

First Published:

September 03, 2025, 11:07 IST

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