Political heat rises over pilot’s bravery
The Bharatiya Janata Party has shifted its focus onto Congress stalwart Rahul Gandhi, probing his lack of comment after Captain Smit Machchhar sustained injuries while foiling an alleged hijack attempt on a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv.
BJP lauds the aviator’s determination
Party spokesperson Sambit Patra praised Machchhar for prying open the cockpit door despite his wounds, allowing the crew and passengers to regain command of the aircraft. The plane subsequently touched down safely in Saudi Arabia. Patra described the captain’s “courage and presence of mind” as a textbook example of duty.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to the pilot during his convalescence, commending his role in preventing a disaster.
Congress urged to break its silence
The BJP’s criticism hinges on the total absence of a public statement from Rahul Gandhi. Senior party members, including Sudhanshu Trivedi, have asked the Gandhi family why they have not publicly recognised Machchhar’s actions, contrasting this silence with the accolades showered by other senior leaders.
Parallel attack on Congress’s Pakistan stance
In the same vein, the BJP seized on comments by senior Congress figure Mani Shankar Aiyar that advocated dialogue with Pakistan. BJP officials argued that Aiyar’s viewpoint clashes with the government’s firm line on the neighbour, using the episode to question Congress’s broader national‑security outlook.
Investigation continues
The details surrounding the alleged assault on Captain Machchhar by a co‑pilot remain under investigation. As the probe unfolds, the episode has become a flashpoint in the larger BJP‑Congress rivalry, intertwining aviation safety concerns with broader political narratives.
