Sharad Pawar Dismisses Foul Play in Ajit Pawar's Fatal Plane Crash
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar has categorically dismissed all speculations of foul play in the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of his nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Speaking on Wednesday, Pawar Senior appealed to the public and political circles to refrain from politicising the devastating incident, which he described as a 'pure accident'.
'No Politics Involved' - Pawar's Emotional Appeal
Sharad Pawar, who was attending Parliament's Budget session in New Delhi, cut short his engagements immediately upon receiving the heartbreaking news. In an emotional statement, he emphasised that "there is no politics involved" in the crash that occurred near Baramati airport in Pune district. "It is purely an accident. It has caused immense grief to me and to the entire state of Maharashtra. I appeal to everyone not to politicise this tragedy," the veteran leader asserted, noting that some quarters were attempting to give the incident an unnecessary political colour.
A Major Blow to Maharashtra's Political Landscape
Describing Ajit Pawar's sudden demise as a major blow to the state, Sharad Pawar lamented the loss of what he called a "highly capable and experienced leader." He stated, "This is a loss that can never be made up. However, not everything is in our hands. We are deeply hurt, and I request everyone not to bring politics into this." The vacuum created by Ajit Pawar's death extends significantly across Maharashtra's political spectrum, affecting both the BJP-led ruling coalition and the Nationalist Congress Party, which he previously led in its unbroken form.
Details of the Fatal Baramati Crash
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday morning when Ajit Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to address multiple public meetings as part of the campaign for the February 5 Zilla Parishad elections in Maharashtra. The aircraft involved was a Learjet 45, commonly utilised for VIP and charter travel. The crash near Baramati airport proved fatal for all on board:
- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar
- Captain Sumit Kapoor, with 15,000 hours of flying experience
- Co-pilot Capt. Shambhavi Pathak, with 1,500 hours of flying experience
- Personal Security Officer (PSO) Vidip Jadhav
- Flight attendant Pinky Mali
Officials have confirmed that the aircraft's black box, comprising the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), will be recovered and analysed to determine the exact cause of the crash. This investigation aims to provide clarity and closure regarding the circumstances that led to this unfortunate accident.
The Aftermath and Political Implications
The sudden loss of Ajit Pawar has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra's political corridors, creating uncertainty in both governance and party dynamics. As Sharad Pawar mourns the personal and political loss, his firm stance against speculation underscores the need for unity and respect during this period of mourning. The incident highlights the risks associated with aerial travel for political figures and the profound impact such tragedies have on state leadership and administrative continuity.
