Chennai, Dec 6 (NationPress) In a pointed critique aimed at the central government regarding the aviation crisis, the Congress party asserted on Saturday that the current disruptions in IndiGo services are not mere coincidences but rather the direct result of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government's deliberate efforts to establish a duopoly within the aviation industry.

Highlighting the nationwide travel chaos experienced in recent days, Congress MP from Tamil Nadu, Sasikanth Senthil, stated in a released statement that IndiGo's cancellation of over 1,000 flights on December 5, 2025, alongside additional cancellations on December 6, has led to an unprecedented breakdown of India's air travel infrastructure.

He characterized this disruption as a moment that has laid bare the vulnerabilities that have long been overlooked by the government. He expressed that the ramifications of this policy are now manifesting publicly.

“This crisis is not merely a spontaneous failure; it is a foreseeable consequence of the BJP administration that has relentlessly sought to eliminate competition, favor certain businesses, and reshape an entire national sector to benefit a small circle of corporate allies,” the former bureaucrat-turned-politician asserted.

He contended that the aviation industry, which relies heavily on stringent safety regulations and consistent oversight, has been thrown into turmoil due to a policy framework that undermines regulatory safeguards while bolstering the control of a select few private entities.

Senthil criticized the government's management of aviation safety, which has unveiled the extent of its negligence. He pointed out that the Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules were published on January 8, 2024, and were partially enforced on July 1, 2025. He condemned the decision to suspend these crucial safety regulations amid a sector-wide crisis.

“This is not just reckless; it is shocking. By abolishing regulations designed to prevent pilot fatigue, the BJP government has allegedly compromised passenger safety and jeopardized the welfare of cockpit crews. Instead of stabilizing the situation, they have exacerbated it, once again demonstrating that safety and accountability are meaningless to this administration when placed against the convenience of their favored corporations,” he stated.

The Congress MP further noted that the government’s propensity for fostering monopolies is becoming evident across key infrastructure sectors.

Senthil highlighted how policies, regulations, and public assets are being leveraged to fortify a specific conglomerate in aviation, telecommunications, ports, and other sectors.

The Thiruvallur MP drew parallels between the IndiGo crisis and the contentious electoral bonds, which the Supreme Court has deemed unconstitutional and illegal, adding that the revelations only darken the scenario. He alleged that data indicates that entities linked to InterGlobe acquired approximately Rs 36 crore in electoral bonds, while its promoter, Rahul Bhatia, purchased around Rs 20 crore, most of which was directed to the BJP.

“This raises important questions about how a sector once characterized by healthy competition has devolved into a fragile duopoly and whether financial ties to the BJP have influenced this distorted environment. These issues cannot be ignored; they strike at the core of public trust and democratic integrity,” Senthil remarked.

He asserted that the current turmoil is a consequence of a system rooted in crony capitalism. “Aviation is just the latest victim. The same pattern is observable in telecommunications, infrastructure, cement, and ports.

The government's actions suggest a perilous commitment to empowering a select group of corporations while stifling every other competitor, ultimately leaving India at the mercy of a few private giants,” he claimed.

Referring to the situation as a disaster created by the government, he stated that it has harmed the aviation sector, endangered passengers, destabilized markets, and demonstrated the government’s disregard for transparency and competition. The Congress MP concluded that India is currently bearing the consequences of a regime that prioritizes corporate alliances over national welfare and electoral gains over economic stability.