New Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Tuesday stoked controversy by admitting that he can carry a matchbox onto a plane because he is not frisked on account of his position in the government.Â
Giving account of his VIP position, Raju said, “Once I became minister, people stopped frisking me, so matchbox, which used to be confiscated came along with me.”
Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Raju asked reporters, “How is a matchbox a threat?”
Defending his words the Minister said, “You can’t hijack a plane with a matchbox.”
He further added, “I have not come across any incident worldwide where a matchbox had led to any threat.”
Meanwhile, matchboxes and lighters are among the items that passengers are forbidden from taking on board.
“I have yet to come across an incident worldwide where a matchbox became a threat,” the minister said, following his comment with laughter.
The minister’s comments come amid a national debate about VIPs flaunting and abusing the privileges accorded to them.
However, the minister later speaking to reporters defended his comments