Political fire intensifies around the pilot’s gallantry
The BJP has shifted its spotlight onto Congress stalwart Rahul Gandhi, probing why he remains silent after Captain Smit Machchhar suffered injuries while thwarting an alleged hijack attempt on a Flydubai service from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
BJP lauds the aviator’s determination
Spokesperson Sambit Patra commended Machchhar for forcing open the cockpit door despite his wounds, enabling 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 benchmark of public service.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to the pilot during his convalescence, praising his role in preventing a possible disaster.
Congress urged to break its silence
The BJP’s criticism pivots on the total lack of a public statement from Rahul Gandhi. Party figures such as Sudhanshu Trivedi have questioned the Gandhi family’s decision not to acknowledge the pilot’s actions, contrasting this perceived muteness with the accolades showered by other senior officials.
Parallel jab at Congress’s Pakistan policy
In the same breath, the BJP targeted senior Congress voice Mani Shankar Aiyar for his remarks endorsing dialogue with Pakistan. BJP leaders argued that Aiyar’s stance runs counter to the government’s firm posture toward the neighbour, using the episode to cast doubt on Congress’s overall national‑security outlook.
Probe remains ongoing
The exact details of the alleged assault on Captain Machchhar by a co‑pilot are still under investigation. As the inquiry proceeds, the case has become a flashpoint in the broader BJP‑Congress rivalry, intertwining aviation safety concerns with larger political narratives.
