Shiv Sena MPs surround Civil Aviation Minister over flying ban

New Delhi, April 6 : Shiv Sena MPs on Thursday surrounded Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju over the flying ban on party MP Ravindra Gaikwad and threatened that unless it is lifted they "won't allow the airlines to fly from Mumbai".

The incident happened after the Lok Sabha was adjourned by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan till 12.45 p.m. over the Shiv Sena protest.

As soon as Shiv Sena MPs surrounded Raju, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs S.S. Ahluwalia rushed to him. He was followed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

They took Raju and Union Minister Ananth Geethe with them to the Speaker's chamber.

Sources said that Speaker Mahajan discussed the issue with the leaders.

Earlier, Shiv Sena MPs were agitated over a statement of the Civil Aviation Minister, who reiterated that the ban was not aimed at a Member of Parliament, but for a passenger and safety was most important in flights.

This led to a protest by Shiv Sena members, and the House was adjourned.

Gaikwad, who was banned from flying after he assaulted an Air India staff, said that he had been provoked and alleged that the airlines staff misbehaved with him.

Speaking on the issue during Zero Hour Gaikwad demanded that the flying ban on him be lifted.

He got support from other opposition parties. The Shiv Sena MP also said that he can apologise to Parliament but will not apologise to the airline staffer.