Mayawati shows political high-handedness in airport tarmac

New Delhi, Feb 10: In an attempt to display her political high-handedness even in the airport runway, the Civil Aviation Ministry rejected Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's request to allow her bulletproof car up to the tarmac at airports across India. Sources within the ministry has been quoted as saying to certain media channels, "The request has been rejected. It is not possible to make an exception. There is no precedence."

The source also claimed that Mayawati wanted the privilege of direct access to the tarmac at all airports for “threat perception and security” reasons. The Ministry opposed the proposition with the Central security agencies too rejecting the idea. They were of the opinion that there was not going to be any exception to rules.

Mayawati is currently allowed direct access in her car to the tarmac only in UP airports. As per rules, Governors and CMs are allowed access to the tarmac in the state they hold office. But Mayawati wanted to extend this privilege across Indian airports.

Aviation security agencies have added that they have earlier got similar requests from politicians and godmen, but have opposed them. The last word on the matter always rests with the Civil Aviation Ministry.

The source added that the decision was made entirely on 'professional grounds' and there was absolutely no politics behind the matter. But it cannot be denied that the decision could strain the relationship between the UPA and the BSP. The fact that top UP politician and now Aviation Minister Ajit Singh holds the top post can worsen the already strained ties.

OneIndia News