The sudden death of Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has sent shockwaves across the globe. Pawar tragically perished in a catastrophic plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday morning while on a campaign trip with his associates. The incident involved a Learjet 45 aircraft (registration VT-SSK) that crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport. Unfortunately, no one survived the disaster.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her deep sorrow over the devastating news, stating that she had been made aware of Pawar’s intentions to distance himself from the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition and meet Sharad Pawar. This led her to suggest that there may be a conspiracy surrounding his untimely demise. Banerjee criticized the prevailing security situation, questioning the safety of opposition parties under the current BJP-led government. She has called for an investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court, expressing a lack of trust in other agencies.
In her heartfelt tribute on social media, Banerjee wrote, “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 further demanded a comprehensive investigation into the crash, asserting the need for transparency in the circumstances surrounding Pawar’s death.
Concerns regarding the circumstances of Pawar’s death have been echoed by various political leaders, including those from the Congress party. Honorary Congress member Gaurav Gogoi emphasized the need for a transparent investigation, stating that there were serious doubts surrounding the incident. Telangana MLA Raja Singh also shared his reflections, describing Pawar as a good person whose sudden death raises suspicions of foul play, especially given his commitment to the development of Maharashtra.
Amidst ongoing speculations, Singh remarked that the analysis of the aircraft’s black box could provide clarity on whether any conspiracy was at play. Pawar was traveling back to Baramati from Mumbai to address a series of public rallies ahead of the upcoming district council and panchayat elections when the crash occurred. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft lost control and crash-landed near the runway threshold.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple explosions as the aircraft caught fire upon impact, and DGCA officials are currently investigating the scene to determine the precise cause of the accident. In light of this tragic event, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has declared three days of mourning across the state. A wave of grief has swept through the political landscape, with many leaders and citizens expressing their condolences and sorrow over the loss of Ajit Pawar, a dedicated public servant.
