Shivraj Chouhan criticizes Air India over seat.
The senior BJP leader took to social media to express his frustration, calling out the airline for failing to provide basic comfort and safety to passengers.
Chouhan shared a picture of the damaged seat and criticized the airline for its poor service. “Passengers pay for comfort, not inconvenience. He further questioned how an airline of Air India’s stature could allow such lapses in maintenance, adding that such issues raise serious concerns about passenger safety.
The former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister also urged authorities to take immediate action to improve service standards. His complaint has sparked a debate online, with many passengers sharing their own experiences of discomfort with Air India’s services.
In response, Air India has stated that they are looking into the matter and assured that corrective measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, the controversy has once again put the airline under scrutiny for its service quality and maintenance standards.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has slammed Tata Group-owned Air India for allotting him a “broken” seat on a flight from Bhopal to Delhi, calling it an example of poor service and mismanagement. The senior BJP leader took to social media to express his frustration, alleging that the airline knowingly sold a ticket for a defective seat.
In a post on X, Chouhan recounted his experience, saying that when he questioned the airline staff about why he was assigned a damaged seat, they admitted that the management had been informed about the issue earlier and that the ticket should not have been sold.
A flight journey from Bhopal to Delhi typically takes around one and a half hours, but Chouhan said the experience was particularly frustrating because passengers expect basic comfort when they pay for their tickets.
Air India Responds, But Questions Remain
Following the minister’s complaint, Air India issued an apology for the “inconvenience” caused and assured that they were looking into the matter. However, the incident has once again raised concerns about the airline’s service standards, with critics questioning how a major carrier could allow such lapses to occur.
The issue also sparked a larger debate on social media, with several users sharing their own grievances about Air India’s service quality. Some pointed out that the airline, despite being privatized under the Tata Group, still struggles with issues that plagued it during its government-run days. Others expressed hope that Chouhan’s complaint would prompt action, as high-profile individuals often receive quicker resolutions compared to ordinary passengers.
BJP’s Reaction and Broader Criticism
The BJP’s official X handle also weighed in on the matter, amplifying Chouhan’s concerns. People keep complaining and making videos, but no action is taken. Now, since Shivraj ji has faced a problem and is tweeting—maybe action will be taken on this,” the party’s post read.
This remark pointed to a broader sentiment among the public regarding deteriorating travel experiences in India, both in aviation and railways. Many travelers frequently report issues such as delays, poor maintenance, and lack of accountability from airlines and railway authorities.
“I Don’t Care About My Own Comfort”
Despite his frustration, Chouhan clarified that his complaint was not about personal inconvenience but rather about fairness for all passengers.
His comment resonated with many passengers who have experienced similar issues. Some pointed out that, unlike VIPs and politicians, ordinary travelers do not have the platform or influence to raise such concerns and get immediate responses from airlines.
Growing Complaints Against Air India
The incident has once again brought Air India under scrutiny. Despite being taken over by the Tata Group in early 2022, the airline continues to face criticism over its service quality, maintenance, and overall passenger experience.
Passengers have frequently complained about broken seats, malfunctioning entertainment screens, unclean cabins, and inattentive staff. Even after rebranding efforts and new investments in aircraft and customer service, Air India has struggled to shed its past image.
Aviation experts suggest that while the airline is undergoing changes, major overhauls in operations, training, and service management take time. However, incidents like these reinforce the perception that Air India has yet to meet the high expectations set by its new owners.
Will This Lead to Change?
Shivraj Chouhan’s experience raises a crucial question: will his complaint push Air India to address such issues more seriously? Political leaders and celebrities often receive swift responses when they highlight travel grievances, but the real concern is whether the airline will improve its service for everyday passengers.
With increasing competition in India’s aviation sector, including the rise of budget airlines and foreign carriers expanding their presence, Air India will need to prioritize customer satisfaction if it wants.
For now, the airline has promised corrective action, but whether this leads to tangible improvements in passenger experience remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Chouhan’s case has highlighted the ongoing struggle passengers face with inconsistent service quality in India’s aviation industry.