Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad whose recent misbehavior went viral has now flown Air India from Pune to Delhi on Monday - his first flight after the government directed all airlines to lift the ban on him last Friday.
Gaikwad reportedly first booked the 7.40 am Pune-Delhi flight (AI 852) for Monday - the same one he had flown on March 23 when he had thrashed an AI staffer with his shoe 25 times and tried to throw him off the aircraft at Delhi airport.
Gaikwad reportedly first booked the 7.40 am Pune-Delhi flight (AI 852) for Monday - the same one he had flown on March 23 when he had thrashed an AI staffer with his shoe 25 times and tried to throw him off the aircraft at Delhi airport.
However, late on Sunday, he got the ticket converted to an open one, meaning it could be used to board any flight. However, it was later revealed that he boarded the same flight on which the incident had taken place.
The Shiv Sena had threatened to boycott a dinner that PM Narendra Modi is hosting on Monday night unless the flying ban imposed on Gaikwad was lifted.
AI sources say they have not made any special arrangements for flying the VVIP. "For us, every passenger is a VVIP and deserves the best possible treatment. Whoever chooses to fly us can expect best-in-class service and in-flight treatment," said an official.
However, employees across airlines are not too comfortable flying the MP "as he has not apologized for his behavior to the staffer or the airline".
AI sources say they have not made any special arrangements for flying the VVIP. "For us, every passenger is a VVIP and deserves the best possible treatment. Whoever chooses to fly us can expect best-in-class service and in-flight treatment," said an official.
However, employees across airlines are not too comfortable flying the MP "as he has not apologized for his behavior to the staffer or the airline".
"For the first time, airlines took a stand on an unruly passenger who can be a threat to everyone on board an aircraft. But the government gave in to the threats of Shiv Sena and directed all airlines to fly Gaikwad again," said a private airline employee.
Airlines are upset at the way the aviation ministry meekly gave in to the strong arm tactics of Gaikwad - who continues to remain unrepentant for his behavior.
The govt has warned Mr. Gaikwad to maintain the decorum and ensure the safety of other passengers.
This incident proves the misuse of power in India. It shows how easily one can make people bow down before it. Guess great power now means – misuse it to your advantage, not great responsibility.