Tribune News Service
Dehradun, June 6
BJP spokesperson Virender Bisht today charged the state government with misusing the state funds on the frequent helicopter trips of Chief Minister Harish Rawat, which had weakened the financial health of the state.
“The Chief Minister should stop complaining about the poor financial health of the state and instead explain to the people why over Rs 3 crore was spent on his helicopter flights between 2015 and 2016,” Bisht said at a press conference.
An RTI activist’s query had revealed that the Chief Minister had spent Rs 3.64 crore on helicopter flights between 2015 and 2016.
The amount was paid to seven private companies.
“The Chief Minister undertook the services of these private flights while ignoring state’s own helicopter and aircraft. Surprisingly, when the Chief Minister took the services of the private operators, the state helicopter too accompanied him,” Bisht said.
He alleged that one of the private companies, whose services were availed by Harish Rawat, was owned by the Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress party’s national president Sonia Gandhi.
Bisht urged the Chief Minister to make public the reason for his use of private helicopters.
Unlock Exclusive Insights with The Tribune Premium
Take your experience further with Premium access.
Thought-provoking Opinions, Expert Analysis, In-depth Insights and other Member Only Benefits
Already a Member? Sign In Now
