Mamata changes plan to fly to Andal, to stay overnight in Durgapur
The Statesman | 28 March 2026
With weather conditions improving, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has decided to fly from Kolkata to Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (KNI) at Andal this evening for her election campaign in south Bengal districts, which resumes tomorrow.
Earlier, the Chief Minister had planned to travel to Durgapur by road due to forecasts of nor’wester and turbulent weather.
Yesterday, while returning to Kolkata from KNI Airport, her flight encountered severe turbulence and took nearly 90 minutes to land. Miss Banerjee had concluded two campaign meetings in Pandaveswar (West Burdwan) and Dubrajpur (Birbhum) before flying back to Kolkata in the evening to attend official work.
She has taken a break from campaigning today but will resume from tomorrow, addressing rallies in Raniganj in support of Trinamul Congress candidate Kalobaron Mondal in West Burdwan, and in Raghunathpur in Purulia.
The Chief Minister will stay overnight in Durgapur today and in Purulia tomorrow. She is also scheduled to address another public meeting in Purulia district on Sunday.
Banerjee faced difficulties during Thursday’s return flight to Kolkata due to inclement weather. She
The Meteorological Department had earlier warned of nor’westers affecting several districts, accompanied by strong winds and possible hailstorms, advising people to avoid venturing out unless necessary. However, the situation has since improved.
Security has been tightened in Durgapur and Purulia in view of the Chief Minister’s overnight stay. Sources said the Trinamul Congress chairperson will hold key meetings with senior district leaders in Durgapur tonight and in Purulia tomorrow.
The nine Assembly seats each in West Burdwan and Purulia districts are scheduled to go to the polls on 23 April.