Chennai, Oct 5: A Madurai-bound Air India flight which departed from here on Saturday returned to the city due to a technical issue, authorities said.

The aircraft had a safe and normal landing, they said.

The passengers who had booked tickets on the flight were offered to travel to their respective destination through alternative arrangements.

"Air India flight AI671 operating from Chennai to Madurai returned to Chennai due to a technical issue. The aircraft had a safe and normal landing at Chennai airport for precautionary checks. Our colleagues on the ground at the airport made every effort to minimise the inconvenience caused to our guests by this unexpected disruption. Alternative arrangements have been made for guests to fly them to their destination at the earliest," an Air India official said.

"Full refunding on cancellation and complimentary rescheduling of their journey to a later date were offered to guests if so desired by them. At Air India, the safety and well-being of our customers and crew remains a top priority," the official added.

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Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."

In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."

He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.

The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."

The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."