Political storm ignites over pilot’s valor
The Bharatiya Janata Party has turned its spotlight on Congress stalwart Rahul Gandhi, probing the reason behind his lack of comment after Captain Smit Machchhar suffered injuries while foiling an alleged hijack attempt on a Flydubai service bound for Tel Aviv.
BJP lauds the aviator’s courage
Spokesperson Sambit Patra hailed Machchhar for prying open the cockpit door despite his wounds, a move that allowed the crew and passengers to regain command of the aircraft, which later touched down safely in Saudi Arabia. Patra emphasized the captain’s “bravery and quick thinking” as a benchmark of public service.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to the pilot during his convalescence, praising his decisive action that prevented a possible catastrophe.
Congress urged to break the silence
The BJP’s critique centers on the complete absence of any public statement from Rahul Gandhi. Senior party figures, including Sudhanshu Trivedi, have pressed the Gandhi family to acknowledge the pilot’s deed, contrasting this perceived quietude with the accolades showered by other senior officials.
Parallel jibe at Congress’s Pakistan policy
In the same breath, the BJP targeted veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar for his recent comments favoring dialogue with Pakistan. BJP leaders argued that Aiyar’s stance clashes with the government’s firm line on the neighbour, using the episode to question Congress’s broader national‑security outlook.
Investigation remains ongoing
The exact details of the alleged assault on Captain Machchhar by a co‑pilot are still under probe. As the inquiry unfolds, the episode has become a flashpoint in the larger BJP‑Congress rivalry, intertwining aviation safety concerns with sweeping political narratives.
