Chief Minister Faces Controversy After Going To A Picnic by Helicopter, Says He Paid Personally and Confusion Was Spread

Kathmandu: Bagmati Province Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniya has come under criticism on social media after going to a picnic by helicopter. Chief Minister Baniya arrived at the event, organized by Nepali Congress Siraha District President Ram Chandra Yadav, on Thursday using a helicopter operated by Mountain Air. Videos and photos of his arrival went viral, triggering widespread criticism.

Social media users accused him of misusing state resources and showcasing a luxurious lifestyle at a time when ordinary citizens are facing financial hardship. Some users also cited the incident as an example to argue that the provincial system should be abolished.

Following the backlash, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat issued a clarification. Chief Personal Secretary Milan Pudasaini released a statement on Friday, saying that Chief Minister Baniya had traveled by helicopter at his own personal expense.

According to the Secretariat, the Chief Minister had to use a helicopter due to his busy schedule. The statement said he needed to return to Siraha after attending the Sixth Climate Change Conference held at Gufa Danda, Melamchi-9, in Sindhupalchowk on the same day. It said road travel was not possible due to time constraints, forcing him to charter a helicopter privately.

The Secretariat also alleged that certain individuals and groups are deliberately spreading negative messages to undermine the Chief Minister’s work and damage his character. The statement warned that spreading misleading content on social media is a cybercrime and urged the public not to circulate false information. It also requested the media to publish news only after verifying facts.

The Secretariat further claimed that Chief Minister Baniya has practiced financial frugality and transparency since assuming office. It said he has been covering expenses for his official residence and vehicle fuel from personal funds and has also built houses for poor families using money received for his services.

 

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