Aviation Ministry being partial: MP

Jabalpur, Oct 15 (UNI) The Union Aviation Ministry is being ''partial'' by not according approval to the private sector Kingfisher Airlines' Jabalpur-Mumbai service in the time slot proposed by the company, MP Rakesh Singh alleged today.

''The Centre's Congress-led United Progressive Alliance regime is not initiating flights from Jabalpur to any Indian city. On the other hand, Kingfisher completed preliminary preparations and formalities this month as per High Court directives and my attempts.

The partiality is because Madhya Pradesh has a Bharatiya Janata Party government,'' he said in a statement issued here.

Mr Singh alleged that the Ministry did not allot the proposed time slot -- 1700 hrs from today -- in view of the Dumna Airport staff's convenience. However, the company described the other time slot provided -- in the afternoon -- as impractical.

''The staff duty timings ought to be either modified or additional staff appointed. If the Centre does not grant permission soon then the eminent citizens, industrialists and other sections in this and neighbouring districts will launch an intense agitation.

The flight is crucial for Jabalpur's industrial development,'' he felt.

UNI