Congress MP supports Shiv Sena's Ravindra Gaikwad

New Delhi: Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury on Monday extended support to Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, saying other airlines should not have imposed a flying ban on him.

"Even I thought he was at fault but the airlines should not have behaved in this manner. Air India was the victim but other airlines should not have imposed flying ban on him, when he had his ticket booked with them," said Chowdhury. 

"Also, till today, no case has been registered. I think the matter is being stretched a bit too much. They are crossing the limits which I think is wrong," she added.

Air India and all private carriers have refused to fly Gaikwad after he repeatedly hit an Air India employee with a slipper last week.

Shiv Sena MPs on Monday said the ban imposed by all airlines on fellow member Ravindra Gaikwad should be lifted but the government said airlines had the right to refuse a passenger.

The issue was raised by Shiv Sena member Anandrao Adsul in the Lok Sabha.