Opinion | Saving Innocent Israelis Not Appreciated

Captain Smit Machchhar is a world hero today, drawing tributes and acclaim from many countries, including some Islamic nations.

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BJP spokespersons have repeatedly pointed out that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have not praised the heroism of Captain Smit Machchhar. The Indian pilot who saved 174 lives deserved highest commendation. But appreciating his bravery was fraught with the risk of displeasing those who did not want innocent Israelis to be saved.

To be fair, the Congress President, Mallikarjun Kharge and, AICC General Secretary, Jairam Ramesh, did utter some suppressed words, acknowledging the good deed of Captain Machchhar. But their compliments were quite muted compared to the passionate and loving admiration heaped upon Captain Machchhar by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a one-to-one online interaction with the brave soul. Modi’s energy was matched only by the happy gracefulness of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Bibi applauded Captain Machchhar again and again, on his own behalf, and on behalf of the Israeli people.

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Captain Machchhar is a world hero today, drawing tributes and acclaim from many countries, including some Islamic nations. He has been chosen to receive the highest civilian award in Israel.

Nevertheless, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra continued to maintain silence, inviting unsavoury interpretations that they are feeling hesitant to glorify Captain Smit Machchhar, and to condemn the terrorist attack by the Omani co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami.

Priyanka’s self-proclaimed soft corner for Palestine is known. So is Asaduddin Owaisi’s. The AIMIM Chief had come in for criticism when he said “Jai Philestine" after his swearing in as a member of Indian Parliament. It is notable that Owaisi did praise Smit Machchhar. But as a rule, Indian Muslim leaders refrained.

Terrorist Hamam al-Hammami’s foiled plan to crash the Fly Dubai plane into Ben Gurion airport in Israel got reduced to the issue of Israel vs Islamic terrorists. This may not seem to be a matter of direct concern for the first family of Congress. But it is rumoured that their apprehension is that, if they praise Captain Smit Machchhar, they might lose Muslim votes in India.

The Congress Party was not always like that. In fact, it was quite the reverse. Immediately after independence, the President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, insisted that Somnath Temple must be reconstructed. Jawaharlal Nehru refused. But the presence of Hindu stalwarts at the top level in the Congress generated such irresistible force that the immovable Jawaharlal Nehru gave in. The consecration ceremony of Somnath Temple on the 11th of May, 1951 was attended by India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

The Independence movement had created a powerful Hindu leadership within the Congress. Men like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Madan Mohan Malaviya, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, N. V. Gadgil, C. Vijayaraghavachariar ….. the list is long.

At Independence, the Congress was........

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