Questions are mounting over whether the plane crash that killed NCP leader Ajit Pawar was merely an accident, with leaders from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) and the Congress expressing suspicion and calling for a closer examination of the incident.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday said the circumstances surrounding the crash warranted scrutiny, echoing similar concerns raised earlier by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Congress, too, has suggested that the incident could involve a conspiracy.
The crash occurred last Wednesday when Ajit Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati. The incident came amid intense political speculation that the two rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) were exploring the possibility of reunification.
While opposition leaders have raised doubts, Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s uncle and a senior leader of the opposition INDIA bloc, has urged restraint. In his first reaction, Sharad Pawar described the incident as an accident and appealed to political leaders not to link the tragedy with politics.
‘There is something suspicious’
Speaking on the issue, Sanjay Raut said questions should be raised not only by opposition parties but also within Ajit Pawar’s own political circle.
“There is something suspicious about this incident. Something definitely happened behind the scenes,” Raut said.
He further claimed that Ajit Pawar had been making efforts to return to the NCP fold and that political tensions had intensified in the days leading up to the crash. Raut alleged that the BJP had spoken about possessing files related to the irrigation department, while Ajit Pawar had earlier claimed to have documents concerning certain BJP leaders.
“After all this, such a mysterious incident took place. I have found it suspicious from day one and will raise the issue in Parliament,” Raut added.
Mamata Banerjee seeks Supreme Court-monitored probe
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was among the first to question the circumstances of the crash. She said she had heard claims that Ajit Pawar was planning to part ways with a political ally and that the crash occurred soon after.
“I want a thorough investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court,” Banerjee had said.
Without naming Banerjee, Sharad Pawar later responded to remarks from “Kolkata,” rejecting suggestions of political motives.
“There is no politics involved in this incident. It is an accident, and I request everyone not to politicise it,” he said.
Congress joins call for investigation
Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also questioned the incident, stating that Ajit Pawar’s sudden death could not be ruled out as a conspiracy. He called for a detailed probe to determine whether the crash was intended to prevent a reunification of the NCP factions.
“Was this done to stop the two NCP groups from coming together? Is that why the appointment of a new deputy chief minister was rushed?” Wadettiwar asked.
Despite Sharad Pawar’s appeal for restraint, voices within the opposition INDIA bloc continue to grow louder, with multiple parties demanding greater transparency and an independent investigation into the crash.
