Pradhan’s chopper to land at Sunabeda

JEYPORE: The spot demarcated for landing of the chopper that would carry Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to Koraput district on Monday was changed apprehending security threats. Sources said the BJP had sought permission from the district administration for landing the chopper at Kunduli.

The administration had given its nod to BJP’s request initially. However, after considering the ground realities with regard to the presence of Maoists in the peripheral areas, police selected another spot for the chopper’s landing. The chopper carrying Pradhan would now land at HAL helipad in Sunabeda, sources said.

The minister will later visit Kunduli, which is about 50 km from the helipad. The minister will spend an hour in the village. Meanwhile, the proposed visit has spread joy among BJP workers across Koraput district. Sources said more than 5,000 BJP supporters are expected to greet Pradhan who would also visit the disputed Kotia village in the border region.