A brief moment of tension unfolded at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s rally in Malda on Saturday, when a drone was seen hovering close to her helicopter just as she was preparing to leave the venue.
The incident took place at the Shamsi College ground in the Maltipura area of Chanchal subdivision, shortly after the rally concluded. Eyewitnesses said Banerjee had walked toward the helipad and was interacting with party candidates and leaders when she suddenly noticed the drone overhead.
Mamata Banerjee demands answers on stage
Visibly upset, the Trinamool Congress supremo immediately questioned the presence of the drone and raised security concerns. Taking the microphone, she instructed police officials to investigate the matter without delay.
“The police need to keep an eye on this. Those responsible must be identified,” she said, triggering a stir among those present at the rally.
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Drone linked to party campaign, say sources
Initial inputs from party sources later suggested that the drone may have been operated by a Trinamool-linked election campaign team. Following the Chief Minister’s reaction, the drone was reportedly brought down immediately.
Despite this clarification, the sudden appearance of the drone so close to the helicopter raised questions about security protocols at high-profile political events.
High-profile rally with key candidates present
The rally, held around 1 PM, was organised in support of Trinamool candidates ahead of the elections. Among those present on stage were Maltipura candidate Abdur Rahim Bakshi, Harischandrapur candidate Matibur Rahman, and Ratua candidate Samar Mukhopadhyay.
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Banerjee addressed the gathering for approximately 30–35 minutes before heading toward the helipad.
After the incident, Mamata Banerjee proceeded with her schedule and departed for Gazole shortly thereafter. While the situation was quickly brought under control, the episode left behind a buzz at the rally site and renewed focus on security vigilance during election campaigns.
