Modi sees conspiracy in flight delays

Narendra Modi yesterday alleged a conspiracy after his private flights from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh were delayed, reportedly due to lack of clearances.
"My helicopter was not allowed to take off for over three hours in Bareilly. I want the Election Commission to investigate," he said at a rally in Madhya Pradesh, apologizing to people for arriving late.
The BJP's prime ministerial candidate, who addressed a string of rallies in UP and Madhya Pradesh for the national election from next week, said he was also forced to wait at the Delhi airport.
The BJP mirrored his anger and blamed the Centre for the hold-ups.
"Such indirect measures should not be taken to stall or stop any politician," said the party's Piyush Goyal.
Aviation ministry sources, however, attributed the delays to the Ahmedabad-based Karnavati Aviation Limited, which had arranged Modi's trips yesterday.
They said the company submitted the flight plan just 10 minutes before it was to take off in Delhi, so the Air Traffic Control refused to clear it. This delay reportedly continued when Modi was to fly from Bareilly to Rewa in Madhya Pradesh.