Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has raised serious concerns over the sudden and "suspicious" death of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, calling for a comprehensive investigation into the plane crash that claimed the leader's life last week in Baramati. Raut asserted that "something is dubious" about the incident, drawing parallels with the controversial death of Justice Loya and questioning whether foul play was involved.
Political Stature and Unanswered Questions
Speaking to news agency ANI, Raut emphasized that given Ajit Pawar's significant political stature in Maharashtra, questions were inevitable. "The manner in which a leader like Ajit Pawar, a tall leader of Maharashtra, died in a plane crash and the facts which are coming to light - it should be investigated. I think there is something dubious here," he stated. Raut noted that these concerns are also being voiced within Ajit Pawar's own party, labeling his death as suspicious and suggesting that "something did happen behind the curtains."
Allegations of Political Motives
Raut further alleged that Ajit Pawar was actively working towards reuniting the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party in the final phase of his life, having initiated talks with his uncle and party founder Sharad Pawar. According to Raut, this move towards reconciliation was opposed by certain individuals, as it would have "shut their shops" politically. He claimed that Ajit Pawar had expressed a desire to "return home" politically, a stance that allegedly unsettled specific sections and led to threats.
Pressure and Mysterious Circumstances
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader referenced past controversies, alleging that Ajit Pawar faced pressure related to the irrigation scam case just days before his death. "Ajit dada had said that he wants to 'return home', after which people from the BJP threatened him with Sinchan Scam files. Ajit Pawar responded to them over the same files, and he died mysteriously within 10 days of that. What do we understand from this? This reminds us of Justice Loya. Did someone do something here?" Raut questioned, intensifying calls for scrutiny.
Aftermath and Official Responses
Ajit Pawar tragically lost his life when his aircraft crashed near Baramati last Wednesday. In the days following the crash, the ruling Mahayuti alliance appointed his wife, Sunetra Pawar, as the new deputy chief minister. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed speculation about a potential NCP merger, remarking, "Ajit dada would have told us about it," downplaying the claims made by Raut regarding political reunification efforts.
The demand for a thorough probe highlights the ongoing political tensions in Maharashtra, with Raut's statements adding fuel to existing controversies. As investigations into the plane crash continue, the calls for transparency and accountability grow louder, echoing concerns that have plagued Indian politics in similar high-profile cases.
