Estrada Cajigal was the first opposition governor of the state of Morelos (2000-2006).
A licensed helicopter pilot, Estrada Cajigal became embroiled in controversy when he rented a helicopter for use by the state, supposedly to improve police and emergency functions. The governor was often seen flying the helicopter, accompanied by female friends; the press soon dubbed it the Helicóptero del Amor ("Helicopter of Love").[8]
As governor, Estrada Cajigal was accused of having links to drug cartels and a car-theft ring, as well as misuse of funds, although he denied such links and no charges were ever filed.[7][citation needed]
Due to changing markets, Estrada Cajigal supported the shift of the state's agricultural base away from sugarcane production to that of ornamental flowers for exportation. The governor was accused of supporting expropriation of communal farmlands in favor of large businesses[citation needed] and as ex-governor, for personal gain in the Ejido of Acapantzingo. He says the land "was gifted" (fue regalado) by Eduardo Moreno Ramos, son of a local landowner.[9]
The administration of Estrada Cagijal was also known for its inexperience and political repression, particularly in the municipality of Tlalnepantla and when ecologists opposed the conversion of the former hotel Casino de la Selva into a retail property. Juliana Quintanilla, of the Comisión Independiente de Derechos Humanos de Morelos ("Independent Human Rights Commission of Morelos) accused his administration of more than 10 violent evictions and more than 1,500 complaints of human rights abuses. On the other hand, Jorge Messeguer claims that Estrada has looked the other way at organized crime in Huitzilac, where illegal logging, car theft, drug trafficking, and kidnapping are common.[10]