Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who had arrived in Vasai to address an election rally in separate choppers on Monday, had to return to Mumbai by road amidst heavy security arrangements because the helicopters could not fly them back due to sudden dust storm in the city.

The political heavyweights had gathered to garner support for BJP candidate Hemant Savara, who is contesting the Lok Sabha poll from Palghar. After the rally ended, Shah and Shinde left the ground to go to Mumbai by road. Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV) police officials had cleared the stretch for sudden VIP movement. “Our team of officers took all precautionary measures to ensure a smooth journey for the VIPs who reached Mumbai by road as the weather conditions were not favourable to go by helicopter,” Pournima Chougule-Shringi, zonal deputy commissioner of police, told mid-day at the rally ground.