Sunetra Pawar Breaks Silence on Ajit Pawar’s Death, Seeks CBI Inquiry

In her first public remarks following Ajit Pawar’s death, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar paid an emotional tribute to the veteran leader, recalling his unwavering commitment to fiscal discipline and transparency. Speaking ahead of her maiden legislative session, she said his legacy would continue to guide Maharashtra’s governance.

Sunetra Pawar said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and alongside Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar had initiated preparations for what would have been his 12th state budget. However, his passing cut that journey short.

On the question of a probe into Ajit Pawar’s death, Sunetra Pawar said for the first time, “Last week, we requested the Chief Minister to ensure a CBI probe into the aircraft crash.”
Earlier, the NCP had claimed that the incident went beyond an ordinary accident, raising concerns related to public confidence in aviation safety, regulatory oversight, and institutional accountability.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded, saying, “The CBI will probe the aircraft crash that led to the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. I have already discussed this with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.” He added that the NCP had submitted a proposal seeking a CBI investigation.

Responding to conspiracy theories voiced earlier, including by NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, Fadnavis said, “What happened was unfortunate and shocking. Everybody wants to know what exactly led to such a tragic incident, and the facts should come out.”

He mentioned that investigations were initially launched by the DGCA and the CID. “We have now agreed to a CBI probe, as demanded by the NCP,” the Chief Minister said.

Further, Sunetra Pawar also reminds Ajit Pawar presented the Maharashtra budget 11 times, starting in 2011. The budget grew from ₹1,44,783 crore to ₹7.20 lakh crore in 2025, reflecting his push for development. She added that he and his team had taken the latest budget exercise to its final stages, guided by a focus on economic growth, fiscal discipline, and balanced development.

Calling the upcoming sitting her first session as Deputy Chief Minister, Sunetra Pawar expressed confidence that proceedings would run smoothly and in a well-planned manner.
​