Deputy CM Eknath Shinde's flight delayed by two hours at Jalgaon airport due to technical reasons. The pilot refused to fly after his duty hours ended, but later agreed after persuasion by ministers.
Maharashtra: Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, was stranded at Jalgaon airport for two hours on Friday due to technical issues with his aircraft. The delay forced him to attend a Palakhi Yatra (procession) by road. However, upon his return, the pilot refused to fly, citing the completion of his duty hours. After considerable persuasion, the flight was eventually made possible. Interestingly, this delay inadvertently allowed a woman suffering from kidney failure to be transported to Mumbai, potentially saving her life.
Technical malfunction impacts Deputy CM's travel
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, was in Jalgaon on Friday. His flight, scheduled to arrive at 3:45 PM, was delayed by approximately two hours due to a technical malfunction, arriving at 6:15 PM. This significantly disrupted his schedule.
Despite the delay, Eknath Shinde opted for road travel and proceeded from Jalgaon to Muktainagar. He participated in the traditional Palakhi Yatra of Saint Muktai and offered prayers at the temple.
Pilot refuses flight during return journey at night
After participating in the Palakhi Yatra, when Eknath Shinde arrived at Jalgaon airport at 9:15 PM for his return journey, he faced another setback. The pilot refused to fly, citing the completion of his duty hours.
According to aviation regulations, a pilot cannot exceed a stipulated duty time to ensure flight safety. Adhering to this regulation, the pilot declined to take off.
Ministers and administration persuade the pilot
Given the gravity of the situation, Maharashtra ministers Girish Mahajan, Gulabrao Patil, and local administration officials engaged in discussions with the pilot. They requested the pilot to permit a flight carrying Eknath Shinde.
After approximately 45 minutes of discussion and persuasion, the pilot finally agreed to fly. Consequently, Eknath Shinde was able to depart from Jalgaon for Mumbai late at night.
Life-saving opportunity for a kidney patient
This incident had an unexpected but humane outcome. Sheetal Patil, a resident of Jalgaon suffering from severe kidney failure, urgently required treatment in Mumbai. However, the flight she was scheduled to take had already departed.
Upon learning this, Minister Girish Mahajan immediately discussed the matter with Eknath Shinde. Arrangements were then made for Sheetal Patil and her husband to board Eknath Shinde's plane. An ambulance was waiting for them upon arrival in Mumbai, ensuring their immediate transport to the hospital. Had the delay not occurred, Sheetal might not have reached Mumbai for treatment in time.
