Congress MP supports Sena's Gaikwad

Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, facing criticism over assault on an Air India staffer, on Monday got support from Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury who said different airlines should not ban him from flying on their planes.

However, Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha said it is the "discretion" of the airlines to act as per their will.

"Even I think he is at fault, but the airlines should not have behaved in this manner. Air India (staffer) is the victim, but other airlines should not have imposed a flying ban on him, when he has a ticket booked with them," said Chowdhury.

"Also, till today (Monday), no case has been registered. I think the matter is being stretched a bit too much. They (airlines) are crossing the limits, which I think is wrong," she added.

Air India and all private carriers have refused to fly Gaikwad after he repeatedly hit an Air India employee with a slipper many times last week.

"Shiv Sena MP behaved in an extremely irresponsible and violent manner; we strongly condemn that. He needs to face the legal consequences following an investigation.

"As far as the flying ban by various private airlines is concerned, they have their own discretion to their course of action," Congress leader Jha told IANS.

Another Congress spokesperson Shaktisinh Gohil said: "Political leaders are a role model for people. Hence, such behaviour is not right. He (Gaikwad) should do introspection and mend his ways."

Shiv Sena MPs on Monday said the ban imposed by all airlines on fellow member Ravindra Gaikwad should be lifted but the government said airlines had the right to refuse a passenger.

The issue was raised by Shiv Sena member Anandrao Adsul in the Lok Sabha.

--IANS

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