At a campaign rally on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Rajiv Gandhi and his family, including his in-laws from Italy, had used the aircraft carrier INS Viraat as a “personal taxi” on a private “10-day vacation” on an island. AdvertisingThe Indian Express published several news reports, features, and pictures relating to Rajiv’s visit to Lakshadweep around New Year’s Day in 1988. The reason given by officials was that all available seats were booked in advance by passengers and some seats were reserved for ministers and officials here in connection with the Prime Minister’s visit. …It is understood that the prime minister is planning to host a new year’s party aboard a ship. According to reliable sources, among the Indian Navy vessels performing various duties in connection with the holiday were aircraft carrier INS Viraat, the frigates INS Vindhyagiri and INS Taragiri, and the landing craft carrier 39 INS Magar.

Source: Indian Express May 09, 2019 19:15 UTC