For a while now, Abhishek Banerjee’s mode of travel, particularly between Kolkata and Delhi, has been a topic of political conversation. The discussions intensified after his recent visit to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday. Abhishek Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress’s de-facto number two, was in Delhi to challenge the legitimacy of a rebel faction within the party.
He, along with other Trinamool MPs like Mahua Moitra, Kalyan Banerjee, Saugata Roy, and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien, reportedly flew on a private jet chartered from a company with offices in Kolkata. The cost of chartering such flights, especially with overnight stays, ranges from Rs 30,00,000 to over Rs 1,00,00,000, depending on the aircraft type.
According to regional media reports, the preferred aircraft models for such trips are the Legacy 600 or the larger Embraer ERJ-135LR, with costs around Rs 80,00,000 for a nine-hour flight. Smaller aircraft may cost approximately Rs 5 lakh per hour, with additional expenses for parking or hangar usage.
Political leaders often use helicopters or small planes during elections, while Parliamentarians traveling to the capital are usually reimbursed based on their salary structure. Abhishek Banerjee’s recent use of chartered flights for Delhi visits has drawn attention, especially after the party’s recent setbacks.
Critics, including some within the Trinamool Congress, have raised concerns about the expenses incurred on such travels, particularly given the party’s financial challenges and internal dissent. The issue has gained traction amidst public outrage over alleged financial irregularities involving party members.
