New Delhi: An MP as a co-pilot of a commercial flight with a Union minister as a passenger.
A unique combination indeed.
But that is exactly what happened on a flight that Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan took from Patna to Delhi. He was pleasantly surprised to discover that his co-pilot was none other than BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy. The minister called the flight “memorable”.
Chouhan took to social media to praise Rudy’s warmth, storytelling flair, and “truly unique” way of turning an ordinary flight into a memorable journey.
“Rajiv Ji, today you won our hearts… The flight from Patna to Delhi today was unforgettable for me, because the co-captain of this flight was my dear friend, senior politician, and Chhapra MP, Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy Ji,” Chouhan wrote on X.
The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister also shared photos of the two together. He also included an image of a handwritten note praising Rudy.
The minister pointed out Rudy’s distinctive way of sharing travel-related information with passengers in simple and relatable language.
“Clouds have settled around Patna today, and it has been raining continuously since yesterday. Amidst the clouds and light rain, we are about to embark on our journey to Delhi. On the way, we will pass over Varanasi. Then, Prayagraj will be visible on the left and Lucknow on the right. As we catch glimpses of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, we will complete our journey to Delhi, and if there are no clouds during landing, we will also get to see the lights of Noida’s high-rise buildings,” Rudy announced over the PA system, as per Chouhan.
“People like you are rare, who, despite such a busy schedule, still find time for their talents. Staying grounded is what this is all about. Thank you for this memorable journey, Rajiv Pratap Rudy,” Chouhan posted.
Rudy is a four-time MP from Bihar and a former Union minister. He is also a licenced commercial pilot. According to sources, Rudy operates IndiGo flights on an honorary basis from time to time to keep his licence active.
In the past, several netizens have expressed pleasant surprise on finding him at the controls. Rudy is also known to have flown frontline Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, just to get a feel of them.
