West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday called for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the death of Maharashtra deputy chief minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash in Baramati. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief also hinted at a possible political angle behind the incident, saying recent developments in Pawar’s political journey raised serious questions.
Speaking at a public event, Mamata said she was deeply shocked by the news and expressed concern over the safety of political leaders in the country. A video of her remarks was shared by news agency PTI.
“Even political leaders are not safe in this country, let alone common people. I am deeply shocked to hear the news,” she said.
‘Statement About Leaving BJP Came Days Ago’: Mamata
Mamata Banerjee pointed to a statement allegedly made by a leader from another party shortly before the crash.
“Two days ago, I came to know that someone from another party had given a statement that Ajit Pawar was willing to leave the BJP, and now this has happened today,” she said, raising suspicions over the timing of the incident.
Calling for judicial oversight, the Bengal chief minister added, “We have trust only in the Supreme Court and no other agency. All (central) agencies have been completely compromised.”
She further claimed that Ajit Pawar, who split the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 2023, was expected to eventually return to the party’s original fold. “Today he was in the opposition, but tomorrow he was supposed to return to the original course of his party,” she said.
Condolences to Pawar Family and Maharashtra
Despite raising questions, Mamata Banerjee also expressed condolences to Ajit Pawar’s family, the people of Maharashtra, and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, describing the loss as tragic and shocking.
Her remarks come at a politically sensitive time, with West Bengal heading towards elections and the TMC facing a stiff challenge from the BJP.
Details of the Baramati Plane Crash
Ajit Pawar was among those killed after a chartered aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district on Wednesday morning. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the jet, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, had five people on board, including crew members.
Congress Also Demands Probe
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also demanded a probe into the crash but stopped short of drawing any political connection.
“This has hurt everyone, including his family members, and we share their grief,” Kharge told reporters in the Parliament House complex. He said aircraft accidents big or small must be thoroughly investigated to determine the cause.
Kharge described Ajit Pawar’s death as “deeply shocking and profoundly distressing,” calling it an untimely loss of a seasoned leader who had served Maharashtra in various constitutional roles.
“May his soul rest in peace,” the Congress chief said, extending condolences to the Pawar family, supporters and well-wishers.