Sena Defends Goon MP; Says “Even Kapil Sharma Is Allowed To Fly”

Shiv Sena imposed a lock-down in Osmanabad district to protest against Air India’s Ban on Ravindra Gaikwad.

Shiv Sena has thrown its weight behind the unapologetic MP from Osmanabad. (Photo: ANI/ altered by The Quint)

Defending party colleague Ravindra Gaikwad in Lok Sabha, Shiv Sena lawmaker Anandrao Adsul on Monday raked up comedian Kapil Sharma’s in-flight attack on co-star Sunil Grover, while Sharma was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Arguing that even “the corrupt” are allowed to fly, Adsul noted: “While Kapil is facing an investigation, he has not been blacklisted by any airline.” This, he added, was in sharp contrast to Gaikwad’s case, as he has been restricted from flying major airlines on account of his alleged assault on an Air India staffer .

Commenting on the debate, Union Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju noted that rules are “equal for all,” including MPs. Referring to a civil aviation policy, Raju noted that airlines are empowered to refuse to allow any passenger onboard, should their behaviour turn violent. Referring to Gaikwad’s misbehaviour, the Union minister added that “never in the wildest of dreams had I expected an MP to get caught in this.”

Adsul’s comment in the Lok Sabha came even as his party, the Shiv Sena, imposed a lock-down in Maharashtra’s Osmanabad district. Amid shut shops and deserted markets, Sena activists took out a bike rally. Hailing Gaikwad’s act as heroic, protesters said that Gaikwad’s conduct was in conformity to Shiv Sena’s “true style". They also demanded that Air India and other airlines should lift the ban on Gaikwad.

Sena’s brazen backing of its unruly leader comes after Gaikwad himself refused to apologise for his conduct. The Osmanabad MP had returned to Pune by train after Air India and subsequently Indigo cancelled his booking. He has since maintained a low profile and is said to have moved to a secret location. Gaikwad, sources say, is expected to return to Delhi on Wednesday. His mode of transport this time remains unclear.

Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam