The Narendra Modi government on Friday succumbed to ally Shiv Sena’s pressure after the Civil Aviation Ministry asked national carrier Air India to lift the flying ban imposed on Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad.
Giving his defence in Parliament on Thursday, Gaikwad had said that he was ready to apologise to the House but not to the Air India employee. Playing the victim card, the Shiv Sena leader claimed that he did not misbehave with the Air India manager on board a flight.
He also wrote a letter to Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapthi Raju saying that he regrets the “unfortunate incident”. He had insisted the ban imposed on him by seven airlines must lifted.
On Thursday, Ravindra Gaikwad in Parliament said that it was he who was assaulted by the Air India official first and what he did was a reaction to the action.
Girish Bapat, Maharashtra Parliament Affairs Minister said, “Govt revokes ban on remaining 10 opposition MLAs suspended for uproar and burning copies during budget day.”
#FLASH Air India lifts ban on Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad pic.twitter.com/7V4nIjSUef
— ANI (@ANI_news) April 7, 2017
LIVE: Air India's press conference after lifting of ban on Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad https://t.co/W6Np3KeUww
— ANI (@ANI_news) April 7, 2017
“In a letter dated April 6 addressed to Civil Aviation Minister, Shiv Sena MP has conveyed his regrets for the unfortunate incident,” said Air India
in consultation with this ministry for establishing a National No Fly List: Air India (2/2)
— ANI (@ANI_news) April 7, 2017
To deal with unruly passengers in effective manner in future,amendment to CAR(Civil Aviation Requirements) is being drafted by DGCA: AI(1/2)
— ANI (@ANI_news) April 7, 2017
Following Air India’s decision, private airlines which also boycotted Gaikwad are likely to lift the ban.
In view of apology tendered by Mr. Gaikwad & undertaking of good conduct given by him, AI & other airlines advised (by MoCA) to lift ban: AI
— ANI (@ANI_news) April 7, 2017
In a shameful incident that took place on March 24, Shiv Sena MP hit 60-year old Air India official 25 times from a sandal after which the national carrier and private airlines barred Gaikwad from flying.
