The sudden death of Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has sent shockwaves across the globe. Pawar tragically lost his life in a horrific plane crash near Baramati during a campaign trip on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred when a Learjet 45, registered as VT-SSK, attempted to land at Baramati Airport. Unfortunately, none of the passengers survived the crash.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her deep sorrow over the tragic event, highlighting the suspicious circumstances surrounding Pawar’s untimely demise. She noted that Pawar was reportedly contemplating distancing himself from the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition and was trying to meet with Sharad Pawar. Banerjee raised concerns about a potential conspiracy behind his death, stating that the safety of the public is at risk and criticizing the current political environment while questioning the fate of opposition parties. She insisted that an investigation be conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court, expressing a lack of trust in existing agencies.
On her official Twitter account, Mamata Banerjee shared her condolences, stating, “Deeply shocked and stunned by the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family including his uncle.” She called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, emphasizing the need for transparency in the inquiry.
Political leaders from various parties, including Congress, have also voiced suspicions regarding Pawar’s death. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi remarked on the tragic nature of the incident and emphasized the need for a transparent investigation to address the mounting doubts. Telangana MLA Raja Singh also commented on the peculiarities surrounding Pawar’s demise, describing him as a remarkable individual dedicated to the development of Maharashtra. Singh questioned whether there was a conspiracy behind such a sudden accident, pointing out the ongoing rumors about Pawar distancing himself from power.
In preparation for a series of public rallies ahead of local elections, Ajit Pawar had traveled from Mumbai to Baramati. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that the aircraft lost control before crash-landing near the runway threshold. Eyewitnesses described hearing multiple explosions as flames erupted immediately following the impact, highlighting the severity of the crash.
Currently, DGCA officials are dispatched to the crash site to determine the precise cause of the incident. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced three days of state mourning in honor of Pawar and expressed his condolences. The political community continues to mourn the loss of a significant figure, with many expressing their grief and concern over the circumstances leading to this tragic event.
