Political heat intensifies around the pilot’s courage
The Bharatiya Janata Party has shifted its rhetoric toward Congress stalwart Rahul Gandhi, probing his lack of comment after Captain Smit Machchhar sustained injuries while thwarting an alleged hijack attempt on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
BJP hails the aviator’s determination
Party spokesperson Sambit Patra commended Machchhar for forcing open the cockpit door despite his wounds, a move that allowed the crew and passengers to regain control of the aircraft. The plane subsequently touched down safely in Saudi Arabia. Patra described the captain’s "courage and presence of mind" as a benchmark of public service.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to the pilot during his convalescence, praising his decisive role in preventing a disaster.
Congress urged to break its silence
The BJP’s criticism zeroes in on the absence of any public acknowledgment from Rahul Gandhi. Senior party figures, including Sudhanshu Trivedi, have pressed the Gandhi family to explain why they have not publicly honoured the pilot’s actions, contrasting this perceived quietude with the accolades showered by other senior leaders.
Parallel attack on Congress’s Pakistan policy
In the same breath, the BJP seized upon comments by senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, who advocated dialogue with Pakistan. BJP officials argued that Aiyar’s stance clashes with the government’s firm line toward the neighbour, using the episode to question Congress’s overall national‑security outlook.
Investigation remains ongoing
The details surrounding the alleged assault on Captain Machchhar by a co‑pilot are still under probe. As the inquiry proceeds, the episode has become a flashpoint in the broader BJP‑Congress rivalry, intertwining aviation safety concerns with larger political narratives.
