From airport snag to airborne rescue: Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s private flight was unexpectedly delayed by a pilot’s health concerns. But what began as a challenge quickly transformed into an opportunity for a life-saving act, as the Dy CM’s team helped a woman reach Mumbai for critical surgery.
BY PC Burrau
Mumbai, June 7,2025: – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde faced an unexpected and dramatic delay during his return journey to Mumbai on Friday evening when the pilot of his private aircraft abruptly declined to fly, citing health concerns and the exhaustion of his duty hours. The unforeseen snag, which grounded the high-profile delegation for nearly an hour, unfolded after Mr. Shinde concluded his participation in the revered Sant Muktai ‘Palkhi Yatra’ in Muktainagar, Jalgaon.
The Deputy CM, accompanied by key ministers Girish Mahajan and Gulabrao Patil, had arrived at Jalgaon airport around 9:15 p.m. following a road journey. What was expected to be a swift departure quickly turned into a tense standoff. The pilot firmly refused to initiate take-off, stating he had exceeded his regulated flying hours and required fresh clearance. Compounding the issue, he reportedly complained of feeling unwell, raising immediate concerns about flight safety.
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Frantic efforts to resolve the situation ensued, lasting approximately 45 minutes. Ministers Mahajan and Patil actively intervened, engaging in discussions with the pilot and airline officials. After a period of intense negotiation and logistical coordination, the pilot was eventually persuaded to operate the flight, allowing the crucial journey back to the state capital to commence.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde was supposed to travel from Jalgaon to Mumbai. His flight was delayed by an hour after his personal aircraft’s pilot refused to take off, saying his ‘duty hours have ended’. #Shinde #Mumbai #Maharashtra #Pilot #Flight pic.twitter.com/vwFGBuvtWO
— Peek TV (@PeekTV_in) June 7, 2025
Speaking to reporters later, Minister Girish Mahajan sought to downplay the episode, characterizing it as “a minor issue.” He attributed the delay to “technical constraints” and a “precautionary approach” necessitated by the pilot’s condition, emphasizing that safety was paramount.
Humanitarian Gesture Mid-Air: Dy CM Aids Woman for Urgent Surgery
Just as the flight overcame its initial hurdle, it became the setting for a spontaneous and poignant act of kindness by the Deputy Chief Minister’s team. During the return journey, a woman named Sheetal Patil, who had missed her commercial flight to Mumbai, was offered a seat aboard Mr. Shinde’s private aircraft. Ms. Patil was in desperate need of urgent kidney surgery scheduled in Mumbai, a fact that resonated deeply with the Deputy CM’s entourage. Her husband was also accommodated, ensuring they could reach their critical medical appointment without further delay.
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Upon their arrival at Mumbai airport, ambulances were already awaiting the couple, ensuring Ms. Patil was swiftly transported to the hospital for her life-saving procedure.
“Eknath Shinde has not forgotten his own struggles,” remarked Gulabrao Patil, reflecting on the Deputy CM’s gesture. “This shows he continues to care deeply for ordinary people, a true leader committed to the welfare of the common man.”
The incident, while initially causing an unexpected delay for the Deputy Chief Minister, ultimately transformed into a powerful testament to compassion, highlighting the swift and personal intervention to aid a citizen in dire need.
