Getting from Pune, a western city in the state of Maharashtra to Delhi, the national capital in the north is pretty easy. Simply book an air ticket in one of the many flights that operate between the cities every day and after just two hours of travel, voila, you’re there.
Sadly, it is not that easy for Shiv Sena MP from Maharashtra’s Osmanabad constituency, Ravindra Gaikwad. After an unfortunate incident in which he attacked an Air India employee, no airline is ready to let him board their flight. With no other option in sight, Gaikwad was since covering the tiresome 1500 Km journey by train and car.
So, Wednesday brought a little respite for the MP as he finally flew again, although the travel must’ve been a LOT costlier.
After multiple airlines banned him for boarding their flights, Shiv Sena MP, Ravindra Gaikwad on Wednesday used a chartered plane to fly from Pune to New Delhi to attend the Parliament session.
The flight, arranged by Shiv Sena, took off from Pune at around 3 pm and landed in Delhi at 5 in the evening.
Giving details of Gaikwad’s entire ‘flying operation’, this statement by a party insider shows that Shiv Sena is ready to fight this battle tooth and nail alongside their MP.
However, when Gaikwad was asked about his flight to Delhi, Gaikwad’s completely denied the reports.
“I am a poor man and I can’t afford to charter a flight.”
Presenting his version of the events at the Parliament today, Gaikwad said that he committed no crime and being a school teacher, ‘Vinamrata’ (humility) is in his nature.
“I apologise for my behaviour, but I am not apologetic to the airline official who abused and manhandled me, and spoke in a derogatory manner about parliamentarians and the prime minister.”
He further said that only one side of the story was reported by the media which tarnished his image in front of the nation.
“This behaviour was unacceptable… It was only after he insulted the PM and the Parliament that I got upset and hit him. Only that clip was shown to the public.”
Let’s see if today’s statement helps Gaikwad’s cause in flying with the airlines again.
News Source: The Economic Times, News18, NDTV and Indian Express