Shiv Sena seeks explanation from Ravindra Gaikwad for assaulting AI staffer

Shiv Sena does not subscribe to such reaction by any of our party members, says Manisha Kayande

Shiv Sena on Thursday sought an explanation from its Lok Sabha MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who allegedly hit an AirIndia staffer at IGI airport in Delhi with a slipper, and remained defiant over the incident.

"The party has sought an explanation from Gaikwad over the incident. The Sena does not condone violence of any kind," Harshal Pradhan, media adviser to Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, told PTI.

"We have also sought a version of the incident from the AirIndia (AI) staffer. The Sena has a workers' union in Air India," he said.

Earlier, Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande said, "Shiv Sena does not subscribe to such reaction by any of our party members. Gaikwad is known as Ravi Sir and is very popular in his constituency. He has worked a lot towards solving the water problems of his region."

"We really should know what made him lose his temper. He is not a person who would suddenly jump into such a thing," she added.