Storm forces Mamata Banerjee’s chopper to abort landing, CM takes road route to Nabagram rally

Murshidabad: High drama unfolded in the skies over West Bengal on Wednesday as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s helicopter was forced to abort landing at Nabagram due to sudden, violent weather conditions, triggering a tense mid-air turnaround. 

Banerjee, who was scheduled to address a crucial public rally in Nabagram, had just wrapped up meetings in Nanoor, Birbhum, and Baranagar in Murshidabad, and was en route to the next venue when nature intervened.

Dark clouds gathered swiftly, unleashing heavy rain and gusty winds, making it impossible for the pilot to attempt a safe landing.

With visibility dropping and turbulence intensifying, the helicopter hovered near Nabagram before being forced to retreat.

In a swift and decisive move, the aircraft turned back to Baranagar, where the Chief Minister disembarked. But the setback did little to deter her.

Refusing to cancel the high-stakes rally ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, Banerjee immediately switched to road travel, embarking on a hurried journey to Nabagram.

Sources confirmed she is already on her way to the venue, determined to address the gathering despite the weather chaos.

The incident comes barely days after a similar scare, when her aircraft was unable to land at Kolkata airport due to inclement weather and had to circle in the air for nearly an hour, raising concerns over flight safety amid erratic conditions.

Wednesday’s episode once again highlighted the unpredictable fury of nature, and the high-pressure decisions leaders must take in real time.

As rain lashed Murshidabad and winds continued to roar, all eyes are now on Nabagram, where the Chief Minister is racing against the storm to keep her political commitment.