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Flydubai Attack Sparks Political Firestorm: BJP Questions Rahul Gandhi's Silence
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News18•01-10-2026, 22:40
Flydubai Attack Sparks Political Firestorm: BJP Questions Rahul Gandhi's Silence
- •The Flydubai FZ1073 cockpit attack has ignited a political debate in India.
- •BJP leaders criticized Rahul Gandhi for not publicly commenting on Captain Smit Machchhar's actions during the mid-air emergency.
- •BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra specifically questioned Gandhi's silence regarding the Indian pilot.
- •Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has publicly praised Captain Machchhar, highlighting a nuanced opposition response.
- •Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him, but he helped divert the aircraft safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Key Questions Answered
BJP leaders, including spokesperson Sambit Patra, questioned the absence of a public statement or social media post from Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi regarding Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar's actions during the mid-air emergency.
While the BJP focused on Rahul Gandhi's silence, the wider opposition response included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge publicly praising Captain Machchhar for his role during the crisis.
During the flight, Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him in the cockpit. Despite his injuries, Machchhar helped enable passengers and crew to intervene, allowing the aircraft to be safely diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
