Assam Elections: Khanapara Veterinary College Transforms into Busy Helipad Hub
As election campaigning intensifies across Assam, the skies above Guwahati have become significantly louder and busier. Helicopters are now crisscrossing the city at an unprecedented rate as star campaigners rush from one constituency to another, attempting to maximize their reach before polling day.
From Veterinary College to Political Helipad
At the center of this airborne campaign push is the field of Khanapara Veterinary College, which has temporarily shed its usual identity to become one of the most important logistical points in the state's election machinery. This transformation highlights how election necessities can repurpose even educational institutions during heated political contests.
Unusual Convergence of Rivals and Allies
What makes this scene particularly striking is not just the volume of helicopter traffic, but the diverse political parties utilizing the same patch of ground. The BJP, Congress, AGP, BPF, UPPL, and AIUDF have all hired helicopters for their campaigns. The overlap is hard to miss—while the BJP is allied with AGP and BPF, both rivals and allies alike are relying on the identical helipad for their aerial operations.
"On the ground, the campaign may be sharply divided. In the air, necessity has created an unusual kind of convergence," observed political analysts monitoring the situation.
Relentless Campaign Pace Across Assam
From this single site, parties are dispatching helicopters across all 126 assembly constituencies of Assam, with multiple sorties scheduled each day. Ground staff members report that the pace is relentless, though flight timings often shift depending on weather conditions and air traffic clearance approvals.
"Helicopters like the Bell 407, a Canadian-manufactured aircraft powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C47B engine, are primarily used for charter services, airlifts, and specialized missions. Another example is the AgustaWestland AW109S Grand, developed by an Anglo-Italian company, which is lightweight and powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. It is a lightweight, twin-engine, multi-purpose aircraft. These helicopters are currently in use," explained a ground staff member responsible for flight operations, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Party-Specific Aerial Operations
According to staffers at the site, each political party is operating between three and five sorties daily from Khanapara. Among all parties, the BJP currently maintains the largest aerial fleet, with as many as five helicopters in active use. One of these helicopters has been specifically allocated for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's campaign travels. The Congress follows closely with two helicopters dedicated to their campaign efforts.
The logistical coordination required to manage this volume of air traffic from a single location is substantial, with ground crews working extended hours to ensure smooth operations despite the competing schedules of rival political entities.
