Bholanath Pandey, a former Congress MLA known for his dramatic hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane in 1978, has passed away. Pandey gained national attention when he and an accomplice used a toy gun to hijack Flight 410 in a dramatic protest demanding the release of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The incident, which involved redirecting the flight to Nepal, ended with negotiations and assurances from the then Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ram Naresh Yadav, leading to the safe evacuation of passengers and Pandeys surrender.Tributes from the Congress PartyThe Uttar Pradesh Congress unit expressed deep sorrow over Pandeys death. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the party remarked, The news of the demise of former MLA and senior Congress leader Bhola Pandey is extremely sad. The contribution made by Pandey ji in the development of his area and in strengthening the party will remain unforgettable. We pray for peace to his soul and strength to his family, well-wishers, and supporters.पूर्व विधायक, वरिष्ठ कांग्रेस नेता श्री भोला पाण्डेय जी के निधन की सूचना बेहद दुःखद है. अपने क्षेत्र के विकास और पार्टी को मजबूत बनाने में श्री पाण्डेय जी द्वारा दिया गया योगदान अविस्मरणीय रहेगा.हम उनके आत्मा की शांति व परिजनों, शुभचिंतकों तथा समर्थकों के सहनशक्ति की कामना करते… pic.twitter.com/u4WJBGlULp— UP Congress (@INCUttarPradesh) August 23, 2024State President Ajay Rai also extended condolences through a letter to Pandeys family, reflecting the partys respect for his political contributions.Political Career and ImpactPandey, from Moon Chhapra village in the Bairia area, served as a Congress MLA twice, representing the Doaba (now Bairia) Assembly constituency from 1980 to 1985 and again from 1989 to 1991. Despite his notable political presence, his attempts to secure a Lok Sabha seat from Salempur on several occasions were unsuccessful. His controversial act of hijacking, although leading to his temporary notoriety, eventually faded as the cases against him were dropped following Indira Gandhis return as Prime Minister in 1980.
