The sudden and tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash has sent shockwaves across the Indian political landscape. While the nation mourns the loss of a prominent leader, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stirred a massive controversy with her latest remarks, while she has raised serious questions about the nature of the accident and demanded an immediate investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court of India.
Sensational Claim by Mamata Banerjee
In a statement that has created a political storm, Mamata Banerjee claimed that Ajit Pawar was on the verge of returning to his uncle Sharad Pawar's faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). "Ajit Pawar was about to return to Sharad Pawar's party. The plane crash must be investigated. Since central agencies are compromised, the probe should be conducted under the monitoring of the Supreme Court," she stated. This claim suggests a potential political motive behind the tragic event, adding a layer of mystery to the crash.
Demand for Supreme Court Intervention
Expressing her lack of faith in the current investigative agencies, the West Bengal CM emphasized that only a judicial oversight could ensure a fair probe. She pointed out the timing of the accident, noting that it occurred just as rumors of Ajit Pawar's 'ghar wapsi' (homecoming) were gaining momentum. According to her, the safety of VVIPs in the country is at risk, and the frequent accidents involving chartered flights used by Chief Ministers and top leaders need a thorough review.
Details of the Baramati Plane Crash
The fatal accident occurred at approximately 8:45 AM today at the Baramati Airport in Pune district, while ajit Pawar had departed from Mumbai earlier in the morning to attend a public meeting in Baramati as part of the campaign for the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections. Reports indicate that the chartered aircraft lost control while attempting to land or shortly before arrival. All five individuals on board, including Ajit Pawar, his personal bodyguard, one. Cabin crew member, and two pilots, lost their lives in the crash.
Security Concerns for VVIP Travel
Mamata Banerjee also highlighted the risks associated with the travel of high-ranking officials. "Chief Ministers and top leaders often use chartered flights due to time constraints. What about their security? We're deeply disturbed by this incident. We've no words to express our grief, but a proper investigation is mandatory," she added, while her comments have reignited the debate over the maintenance and safety protocols of private aircraft used by political figures in India.
State Mourning in Maharashtra
In response to the tragedy, the Maharashtra government has declared three days of state mourning, while all official programs have been cancelled, and the national flag will fly at half-mast across the state. Leaders from across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various state Chief Ministers, have expressed their condolences to the Pawar family. Baramati, the political bastion of the Pawars, is in a state. Of total lockdown as supporters gather to pay their last respects.
Political Implications of the Statement
The assertion that Ajit Pawar was planning to switch sides back to the original NCP faction adds a significant twist to the ongoing political narrative in Maharashtra. If true, his return would have drastically altered the power dynamics within the state's ruling coalition. Mamata Banerjee's demand for an SC-monitored probe is likely to be picked up by other opposition leaders, potentially leading to a heated confrontation between the government and the opposition in the coming days. For now, the focus remains on the technical investigation into the crash to determine if it was a mechanical failure or something else.