Political storm swirls around the aviator’s valor
The Bharatiya Janata Party has shifted its spotlight onto Congress stalwart Rahul Gandhi, probing his lack of comment after Captain Smit Machchhar suffered injuries while foiling an alleged hijack attempt on a Flydubai service en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
BJP lauds the captain’s steadfastness
Party mouthpiece Sambit Patra commended Machchhar for prying open the cockpit door despite his wounds, allowing the crew and passengers to seize back control of the aircraft, which later touched down safely in Saudi Arabia. Patra described the captain’s “courage and quick thinking” as a benchmark of public service.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to the pilot during his convalescence, praising his pivotal role in preventing a disaster.
Congress urged to break its silence
The BJP’s rebuke hinges on the complete absence of a public statement from Rahul Gandhi. Senior party figures such as Sudhanshu Trivedi have pressed the Gandhi family for an explanation, contrasting the perceived muteness with the flurry of accolades showered by other senior officials.
Parallel jab at Congress’s Pakistan policy
In the same vein, the BJP seized on comments by veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, who advocated dialogue with Pakistan. BJP leaders argued that Aiyar’s stance runs counter to the government’s firm line on the neighbour, using the episode to question Congress’s overall national‑security outlook.
Probes remain ongoing
The exact details of the alleged assault on Captain Machchhar by a co‑pilot are still being examined. As the investigation unfolds, the episode has morphed into a flashpoint in the broader BJP‑Congress rivalry, intertwining aviation safety concerns with larger political narratives.
