YSRCP leader blames Ram Mohan Naidu for India’s aviation crisis

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Margani Bharat has strongly criticized the ongoing aviation crisis in India, attributing it to the “inexperienced decisions” of Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.

Bharat alleged that the sudden implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDCL) without proper departmental review has led to a severe shortage of pilots across the country. The rules increased mandatory rest periods for pilots from 36 to 48 hours, disrupting airline schedules and creating operational chaos for major carriers.

According to Bharat, IndiGo - the country’s largest airline with 434 aircraft operating around 2,300 daily flights - is particularly affected. The new rules mean the airline now requires an additional 900 pilots, contributing to flight cancellations and delays.

The crisis has caused significant inconvenience to passengers, including patients, elderly travelers, and families transporting deceased relatives. Bharat also criticized some airlines for exploiting the situation by sharply raising ticket prices.

Bharat further accused TDP representatives of misleading the public by claiming that IT Minister Nara Lokesh was “monitoring the situation from a war room.” He pointed out that Lokesh has no role in civil aviation and described such publicity as an attempt to divert attention.

Bharat also condemned the minister for focusing on social media reels at the site of a recent incident in Ahmedabad, instead of providing full details.

So far, the state opposition party TDP has not responded to Margani Bharat’s allegations.