West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Sustains Minor Injuries in Helicopter Boarding Incident

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slipped while entering a helicopter in Durgapur on Saturday, April 27, 2024, sustaining minor injuries. Despite the incident, Banerjee continued with her scheduled Lok Sabha poll campaign in Asansol.

The slip occurred as Banerjee was boarding the helicopter, causing her to suffer minor injuries. Video footage shared by news agency ANI shows Banerjee losing her balance and falling while taking a seat after boarding the helicopter. Her security personnel can be seen quickly coming to her aid and helping her.

This is not the first time Banerjee has faced injuries while traveling. In March 2024, she was hospitalized after sustaining a deep gash on her forehead and a cut on her nose during an incident at her residence. In December 2022, she visited a state-run hospital in Kolkata to treat injuries to her left knee and right shoulder, which she had suffered earlier that year while exiting a helicopter. Banerjee's car had also met with an accident in January 2024, resulting in a head injury for the Chief Minister.

Why this matters: The incident highlights the physical risks and challenges faced by high-profile political leaders like Mamata Banerjee during election campaigns, which often involve extensive travel and public appearances. It also underscores the importance of ensuring proper safety measures and protocols for VIPs during their transportation and campaign activities.

Despite the setback, Banerjee demonstrated her determination to carry on with her political activities, proceeding with her onward travel to Asansol to continue her Lok Sabha poll campaign. "Though there is no official statement yet, reports suggest she suffered a minor injury and was helped by her security personnel," a senior officer accompanying Banerjee said. The third phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, covering four seats, is scheduled for May 7, 2024.

Key Takeaways

• Mamata Banerjee slipped while boarding a helicopter in Durgapur, sustaining minor injuries.
• This is not the first time Banerjee has faced injuries while traveling, including a deep gash and knee/shoulder injuries.
• The incident highlights the physical risks faced by high-profile leaders during election campaigns.
• Despite the setback, Banerjee continued her Lok Sabha poll campaign in Asansol.
• The third phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal is scheduled for May 7, 2024.