Can't hijack plane with matchbox, says Aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju

New Delhi, April 7: In yet another case of misusing VIP treatment, the Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Tuesday, April 7, courted controversy by saying, "one cannot hijack the plane with a matchbox."

While further stoking the controversy, 63-year-old Raju siad, "I carry a matchbox and lighters onboard, I am a minister, I am not frisked." [Ashok Gajapathi Raju: A scion of royal family]

He further asked, "What's wrong in carrying a matchbox in plane? How can it pose a threat?"

"I have lost so many lighters and matchboxes but I am yet to come to an incident worldwide where matchboxes can cause threat", he said.

"I am a heavy smoker, so my matchboxes came along with me which earlier used to get confiscated. Once I became a Minister of civil aviation, people stopped frisking me", Raju said. [Civil Aviation minister cracks down on nepotism]

After coming out of the press conference, Raju defended his comments by saying, "I am able to carry matchbox as I am not patted down by security agencies on airport."

He further told media-persons, "Now, you will make an issue out of it."

Here's how Twitterati reacted to Raju's remarks:

#MatchboxSelfGoal aviation minister should know that carrying matchbox & liquor in the flight can sabotage the plane. PM will promote him

— abraham vimalan (@abraham_vimalan) April 7, 2015

I haven't thought if we can carry a match box? even if it is not in the don't list, no senisble person will carry this #MatchboxSelfGoal

— Babu #IStandWithMMS (@mpadhiary) April 7, 2015

In India Few politicians seriously need a class of Public Speaking. Otherwise they are such a waste #MatchboxSelfGoal

— Shantanu Mukherjee (@mystiquethinker) April 7, 2015

#MatchboxSelfGoal PM Pl IMMEDIATELY Sack your Aviation Minister who made those Atrocious Statement about aircraft Security. Prove 56" chest

— Raj Kapur (@India_I_Want) April 7, 2015

#Matchboxselfgoal @TimesNow #vvipracism However the minister's comments definitely qualifies for VVIP racism

— Nagraj Baggon (@NiftyParadox) April 7, 2015

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