'What assault?' Shiv Sena continues to defend MP Ravindra Gaikwad as he arrives in Parliament

Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who has been banned from flying by several airlines after he allegedly hit an Air India staffer, arrived in Parliament on Thursday for the first time after two weeks.

All major domestic airlines have imposed a flying ban on Gaikwad for allegedly assaulting an Air India duty manager.

However, before he makes a statement in Parliament, Shiv Sena has defended Gaikwad's actions.

"Who said he assaulted an Air India staffer? (Shiv Sainik kabhi bhaagta nahi. Kisnay kaha assault kiya hai?)" questioned Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut.

"If it is not resolved, then we will be forced to carry out a protest. Being part of the government, we do not want to create a scene, but we will be forced to do so. This (air travel) is his constitutional right," said Anandrao Adsul.

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has sought details from the Civil Aviation Ministry on the incident involving Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad and the subsequent ban against him by Air India for assaulting its staffer.

Last month, 57-year old Gaikwad, a Lok Sabha member from Osmanabad in Maharashtra, had abused and reportedly assaulted a 60-year-old duty manager of Air India with slippers just because he could not travel business class on an all-economy flight.

Air India has refused to fly the MP, following which other private airlines too refused to fly him. An FIR was also registered against him.