Congress man hires chopper to file his nomination papers in time

Though his party bosses had convinced the Opposition to allow him a safe passage in the legislative council bypoll, Monday was a difficult day for Congress nominee Muzaffar Hussain, 46. Dharmendra Jore reports.

Though his party bosses had convinced the Opposition to allow him a safe passage in the legislative council bypoll, Monday was a difficult day for Congress nominee Muzaffar Hussain, 46.

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For, he had to attend his daughter's wedding at Mira Road at 11am and file his nomination at the Vidhan Bhavan before 3pm.

Hussain, who declared assets worth Rs88 crore in his poll affidavit, chartered a helicopter to beat the traffic on the Western Express Highway to reach south Mumbai.

He then travelled by road to reach the Vidhan Bhavan, from where he went to his daughter's wedding reception venue in Worli.

In the past, Congress nominee and ex-union minister Subodh Mohite was replaced at the last minute, as he could not reach in time to file his papers.

The ex-MP hasn't got a poll ticket since then.

"Aware of the long commute time, I got the permission to build a helipad on Sunday. I attended the wedding and also ensured that my son-in-law and other guests were well taken care of," said Hussain.

This is the fifth consecutive election in which polling was avoided because of understanding between the ruling parties and the Opposition.