The Prime Minister's photo opportunity at the Air India crash site was deeply disrespectful and appeared to prioritize public relations over genuine empathy for the victims and their families. It's appalling to see such a tragedy treated as a staged moment for optics rather than a somber acknowledgment of loss. 


The subsequent silence on the aviation minister's accountability and the lack of government reassurance regarding aviation safety are equally concerning, especially since the Ministry of Civil Aviation reports directly to the central government. Compounding this insensitivity, a glossy video of a Cyprus visit was released shortly after, feeling like a campaign ad during a period of national mourning. This contrasts sharply with the dignified response of past prime ministers, like Manmohan Singh during the Mangalore crash, who focused on support and investigation without theatrics. It feels as though national tragedies are increasingly being reduced to PR opportunities.