Hubballi/Bengaluru: Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, speaking to reporters in Hubballi, criticised IndiGo Airlines for its continued operational breakdown that led to thousands of cancellations nationwide.
Joshi said he had seen an editorial blaming the government for taking a “hasty decision” but dismissed the claim, stating that the issue “did not arise overnight.”
According to him, IndiGo had months to prepare for the new Flight Duty Time Limitations but failed to plan appointments, crew management and operational readiness, resulting in a nationwide aviation crisis.
“The DGCA is a regulatory authority, and under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, it has issued clear directions. Passengers must receive 100% refund, and no cancellation charges can be levied since the fault lies entirely with the airline,” Joshi said.
He added that the Civil Aviation Minister himself is monitoring the situation from Delhi. “Crisis situations happen occasionally, but the department is handling this one with utmost seriousness,” he noted.
On Bengal ‘Babri-style structure’ controversy
Responding to questions on the latest political row in West Bengal—where a structure allegedly resembling the Babri Masjid was reported—Joshi launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
“This would not have happened without Mamata Banerjee’s support,” he said, alleging that the suspension of an official linked to the issue was “only drama.”
Calling it the “peak of appeasement politics”, Joshi questioned, “What connection does Babri Masjid have with Bengal?”
He further claimed that Bengal, once contributing 26–27% to India’s GDP, has collapsed to “barely 3%” due to what he described as Banerjee’s “failed and destructive policies.”
Joshi expressed confidence that voters would “send Mamata Banerjee home this time.”
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಇಂಡಿಗೋ ವಿಮಾನ ಗೊಂದಲಕ್ಕೆ ತೀವ್ರ ಟೀಕೆ ಮಾಡಿದ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸಚಿವ ಪ್ರಹ್ಲಾದ ಜೋಶಿ; ಬಂಗಾಳ ‘ಬಾಬರಿ-ಶೈಲಿ’ ವಿವಾದಕ್ಕೆ ಮಮತಾ ಬ್ಯಾನರ್ಜಿ ಹೊಣೆ ಎಂದು ಆರೋಪ
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