Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s Flight Delayed After Pilot Cites Duty Hour Limits News24 –

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday was stuck for nearly an hour during his return from Jalgaon to Mumbai after the pilot of his personal aircraft refused to fly. The pilot reportedly cited the end of his duty hours. The incident has become a talking point over the security of a Deputy Chief Minister.

According to reports, the pilot had been flying the aircraft for over 12 hours.

Shinde attended “Palkhi Yatra”

The Chief Minister had gone to attend the “Palkhi Yatra” of Saint Muktai in Muktainagar. The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by two Cabinet Ministers, Girish Mahajan and Gulabrao Patil.

Pilot cited end of duty hours

When the Deputy Chief Minister returned to the airport to head back to Mumbai, the pilot refused to fly as his duty hours were over. He said he would need fresh approval to fly from the company and that the procedure would take time.

Ministers convinced pilot

Sources said the two ministers convinced the pilot to fly, and the officials took clearance for departure, and the Deputy Chief Minister returned to Mumbai.