A remarkable incident unfolded on Friday night at Jalgaon Airport, where Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde showcased an extraordinary act of compassion and timely intervention. What began as a delayed departure for the Deputy CM turned into a life-saving opportunity for a woman in urgent need of a kidney transplant.

Eknath Shinde was in Jalgaon to attend the Sant Muktabai Palkhi departure ceremony in Muktainagar. His return to Mumbai faced an unexpected delay when the pilot of his chartered flight initially declined to fly, citing a breach in duty hour regulations. The pilot had reportedly completed 8 hours and 45 minutes of his permitted 9-hour shift and required clearance from authorities to proceed.

Meanwhile, Sheetal Borde, a kidney patient, arrived at the airport, hoping to catch her flight to Mumbai for a scheduled transplant surgery. Unfortunately, she missed her commercial flight, leaving her stranded and jeopardizing her chances of undergoing the critical procedure within the necessary timeframe.

Local activists at the airport, upon learning of Borde's predicament, immediately contacted State Minister Girish Mahajan, who promptly reached out to Deputy CM Eknath Shinde for assistance. Without hesitation, Shinde offered Borde and her husband seats on his chartered flight to Mumbai. Reports indicate that Shinde even asked two of his party workers to give up their seats to accommodate the couple.

During the flight, Shinde personally interacted with Borde, inquiring about her treatment and providing reassurance. Upon landing in Mumbai, he ensured that a special ambulance was arranged for her immediate transfer to the hospital, personally overseeing her admission. The swift action ensured that Borde reached the hospital in time for her kidney transplant.

Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan lauded Shinde's humanitarian act, stating that the Deputy CM had not forgotten his days of struggle and displayed great sensitivity towards the common man. Jalgaon's Guardian Minister Gulabrao Patil echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Shinde's intervention not only saved a life but also reaffirmed the values of empathy and public service.

The incident has drawn widespread praise for Eknath Shinde, with many applauding his quick thinking and willingness to go above and beyond to help a citizen in need. What began as an unforeseen delay transformed into a moment of hope and a testament to the power of human compassion. The Borade family expressed immense gratitude to Shinde for his timely assistance, which enabled Sheetal to receive the critical treatment she desperately needed.