Ajit Pawar Death Controversy Rocks Maharashtra Politics

Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar died on the morning of January 28 after the aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. Ajit Pawar was 66 years old. The crash killed five people, including Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and two pilots. The incident has triggered a major political controversy in Maharashtra. Opposition parties—Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress—along with leaders from the ruling Mahayuti ally NCP, have raised serious doubts over the circumstances surrounding Ajit Pawar’s death. Several leaders have demanded a high-level investigation.

Sanjay Raut Raises Suspicion, Calls Events “Mysterious”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said Ajit Pawar died just days after claiming that he possessed documents related to an alleged BJP scam. Raut described the sequence of events as “mysterious.” “Ajit Pawar said on January 15 that he had a file exposing BJP corruption. Within ten days, he died in a plane crash. This is mysterious,” Raut told reporters in Mumbai. Raut claimed that Ajit Pawar planned to cut ties with the BJP and reunite with his uncle Sharad Pawar, the NCP (SP) president. He said Ajit Pawar had repeatedly spoken about exposing corruption linked to the BJP’s earlier rule in Maharashtra between 1995 and 1999. “I suspected trouble the day Ajit Dada spoke about the BJP scam file. I could see that he wanted to return to Sharad Pawar,” Raut said. Raut also questioned flight safety arrangements. He claimed that no officer on special duty accompanied Ajit Pawar and alleged that authorities failed to provide proper maintenance documentation for the aircraft.

Also Read: NCP Merger: शरद पवार का बड़ा बयान 12 फरवरी को होगा ऐलान

Congress Alleges Conspiracy, Questions Power Grab

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar alleged a possible conspiracy behind Ajit Pawar’s death and urged the NCP to demand an independent investigation. “Eighty percent of Maharashtra believes something is wrong,” Wadettiwar said. “A CID inquiry will not uncover the truth. Why did authorities change the pilot at the last moment? How could negligence occur for a leader of this stature?” Wadettiwar also questioned why Sunetra Pawar took oath as deputy chief minister just days after Ajit Pawar’s death.
“Even before the funeral rites ended, everyone rushed to grab power,” he said. He demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi order a high-level probe to determine whether the crash was accidental or the result of a conspiracy.

BJP Hits Back at Opposition Claims

The BJP strongly rejected the allegations. Maharashtra BJP MLC Chitra Wagh accused Sanjay Raut of exploiting a tragedy for political gain. “Raut makes reckless and baseless claims,” Wagh said. “If Ajit Pawar had any documents against the BJP, Raut should present them in court.” She added sarcastically that Raut could approach any court, even outside India, since he “distrusts Indian institutions.”

NCP Leader Seeks CBI Probe, Raises Fresh Questions

NCP leader Amol Mitkari also expressed concerns over the crash and demanded a CBI investigation. He said several aspects of the incident raised suspicion. “Six people boarded the aircraft before takeoff. Investigators have not recovered Ajit Pawar’s watch,” Mitkari said. “Authorities changed the route and pilot at the last moment. These facts raise serious questions.” Mitkari said asking questions in public interest does not amount to spreading rumours. He also questioned whether authorities followed aviation safety norms for a high-profile passenger. “I have requested the Maharashtra chief minister to order a CBI inquiry,” Mitkari said. “I will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah next week to ensure a high-level investigation.”

AAIB Launches Formal Investigation

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal probe into the crash that killed Ajit Pawar and four others. Investigators are examining flight approvals, safety clearances, and operational procedures.

Also Read: Ajit Pawar’s Aircraft Flew Without Mandatory Satellite Safety System for 28 Days