As the high-voltage Assembly election campaign in Bihar draws to a close, the state’s skies have turned into a buzzing battleground of helicopters and private jets, ferrying political heavyweights at staggering costs. With polling for 122 constituencies in the second phase scheduled for tomorrow, parties have splurged crores to ensure their star campaigners crisscross every inch of Bihar — transforming the campaign into an airborne race for votes.

Record Number of Flights: Bihar’s Skies Turn Poll Arena

According to airport sources, the sheer volume of air traffic over the state has been unprecedented. During the first phase (October 25 – November 4), around 210 sorties of helicopters and chartered flights were logged. The second phase (November 1 – 9) witnessed an even higher frequency with nearly 240 flights, peaking at 20–23 chopper movements per day in the final stretch.

On the last day of campaigning alone, 26 helicopters were in the air simultaneously, ferrying leaders from one rally ground to another in a high-octane display of last-minute outreach.

Tejashwi Yadav Leads the Air Race

Among the opposition, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, the Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial face, dominated the skies with 16 consecutive back-to-back rallies on the final day, covering Arwal, Rohtas, and Jehanabad. Across both phases, Tejashwi conducted over 200 rallies, making him one of the most active campaigners.

His ally Mukesh Sahni of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) also made whirlwind tours of Bhagalpur and Katihar, following a similar “hop and stop” strategy to reach maximum voters before the campaign deadline.

NDA’s Aerial Firepower: Shah, Rajnath, Yogi Dominate the Skies

The NDA matched the opposition’s air offensive with equal intensity. The BJP deployed 15 out of 25 helicopters used across the state.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed mega rallies in Arwal and Sasaram, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flew to Aurangabad and Sasaram. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath covered Supaul, while Jitan Ram Manjhi campaigned across Nawada, Gaya, Aurangabad, and Sheohar.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of JD(U) carried out a packed schedule of 84 rallies — 73 by air and 11 by road — concluding his campaign with appearances in Aurangabad and Rohtas.

Congress and Allies Keep Pace

The Congress relied on limited aerial resources, fielding two helicopters for its campaign. Rahul Gandhi held 15 public meetings, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressed 10 rallies before her helicopter was grounded by bad weather, forcing her to cancel a scheduled appearance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted 14 high-profile rallies and one roadshow, while Chirag Paswan (LJP-RV) and Tej Pratap Yadav also took to the skies, covering key districts such as Katihar, Bhagalpur, and Kesaria.

Patna Airport Becomes Political Launch Pad

The Patna Airport turned into a hive of political aviation, managing 25 helicopters and 12 chartered aircraft daily. Multiple party leaders made landings and takeoffs using four to five jets each day, often before regular commercial flights.

Sources estimate that a single-engine helicopter carrying four passengers costs around ₹1.5 lakh per hour, while twin-engine models range between ₹2.5 to ₹4 lakh per hour. For those opting for luxury, private jets equipped with sofas, beds, and meals can cost anywhere from ₹4 to ₹9 lakh per hour, burning through fuel bills running into crores during the campaign season.

The Cost of Capturing the Skies

The extravagant aerial campaign has once again highlighted the massive financial stakes in Bihar’s elections. With leaders racing against time and geography, air routes have replaced roadshows as the symbol of political power and urgency.

As the dust settles on Bihar’s tarmacs and helipads, one thing is clear — in this election, the battle for the ballot was fought as much in the skies as on the ground.