The Congress on Friday alleged that Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad's unruly behaviour with an Air India staffer exposes the frustration in the Uddhav Thackeray-led party and said that they are targeting the common people as they can't vent their anger on Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
"Shiv Sena is a frustrated party be it the leader or the worker. They are unable to do anything about the BJP's domination (in politics). They can't vent their anger on Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Devendra Fadnavis so they are targeting common people," Congress MLA Nitesh Rane told ANI.
He further said such incidents create negative image of the politicians in the eyes of the common people.
"These people elect you and you physically abuse them. This is very inappropriate and not acceptable. Do you have the right to stay in the Parliament?" Rane asked.
The Congress leader added that such behaviour is now accepted from the Shiv Sena as they have no role to play in the present political scenario.
"I think each and every politician should know how to treat the people as it is their duty to help the citizens and not to harass them," Rane asserted.
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A day after two FIRs were registered against him for hitting a 60-year-old Air India staffer with his slipper and for forcibly holding the flight and delaying it for 40 minutes, Gaikwad today remained unapologetic about the incident and dared the Delhi Police to arrest him.
"I will not apologise. It was not my fault, it was his fault. He should apologise. First ask him to apologise then we will see," Gaikwad told the media here.
The MP from Osmanabad in Maharashtra also downplayed reports suggesting that Air India is considering banning him from boarding its flights.
"I have the tickets, they can't blacklist me. I will board the Delhi-Pune Air India flight this evening. How can they not allow me?" he said.
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has sought a report to determine the facts before he decides on what happens next for Gaikwad.
The Shiv Sena yesterday said that it does not tolerate violence.
Gaikwad was travelling from Pune to New Delhi when scuffle broke out over the sitting arrangement.
The MP claimed that his ticket was for business class but Air India provided him economy class.
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