With reference to the editorial, “Does not fly”, Shiv Sena Member of Parliament (MP) Ravindra Gaikwad’s conduct was as unbecoming as the government’s plan to finalise rules about the airlines’ no-fly list and the Lok Sabha Speaker’s acceptance of a privilege motion of the Shiv Sena on this issue.
The Shiv Sena has been an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Maharashtra, but that does not mean the latter should ignore the unacceptable behaviour of a Shiv Sena MP.
By trying to draft guidelines for a no-fly list, the government has shown apathy towards the Air India employee who was at the receiving end of Gaikwad’s misbehaviour. Kudos to all the private airlines for standing by Air India in this incident.
Gaikwad was at fault and there is no reason why he and his party should not apologise to that employee as well as Air India. He needs to be taught a lesson; for that taking a train every time he wants to travel should do it. If he gets away without punishment it will set a bad precedent for other political representatives.
There is often talk that the government should keep an arm’s length from public sector undertakings where it has a stake. By trying to interfere in the Air India episode, the government is not taking the right step. It should introspect instead of trying to shield an MP or its allies.
I agree with the editorial’s view that it is purely the prerogative of an airline to draw up a no-fly list; the government should not interfere in it
Bal Govind Noida
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