Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu countered Rahul Gandhi’s criticism over the ongoing IndiGo crisis, asserting that the government has always pushed for greater competition in the aviation sector. He said recent legislation lowering aircraft leasing costs was specifically designed to help airlines expand their fleets, ensuring a healthier market. Rahul Gandhi had blamed the crisis on what he called the government’s “monopoly model,” arguing that ordinary Indians were paying the price through widespread delays and cancellations. With the IndiGo crisis now stretching into its sixth day, thousands of passengers remain stranded nationwide. Naidu emphasised that the issue should not be politicised and reaffirmed that the government’s priority is improving aviation reliability and public convenience.