Congress Leader Nana Patole Reveals Extensive NCP Reunion Talks, Casts Doubt on Ajit Pawar Crash Investigation
Senior Congress leader Nana Patole made significant revelations on Wednesday, claiming that more than thirty meetings were conducted to explore a potential reunion between the two rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Simultaneously, he expressed serious skepticism regarding the credibility of the ongoing investigation into Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's recent plane crash incident.
Patole Endorses International Probe into January 28 Aircraft Incident
Patole strongly endorsed demands put forward by NCP (SP) legislator Rohit Pawar for an international investigation into the January 28 plane crash involving former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. Speaking exclusively to TOI, the Congress leader detailed how discussions between the camps led by Ajit Pawar and his uncle Sharad Pawar took place at the residence of Jayant Patil, the former president of NCP (SP).
"The home of BJP minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha is located opposite Patil's residence, and he would be fully aware of these discussions," Patole stated emphatically. "If two families are coming together, no one should obstruct it, and no one should have any problem with it."
Background of NCP Split and Political Realignment
The NCP experienced a dramatic split in 2023 when Ajit Pawar broke ranks with his uncle Sharad Pawar to join the BJP-led government in Maharashtra. This move triggered an intense battle over the party's name and symbol, with the Election Commission subsequently recognizing Ajit Pawar's faction as the official NCP. Sharad Pawar's group adopted the name NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) as their official designation.
Patole emphasized that the factions must provide clear clarification about whether they intend to remain with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) or return to the opposition bloc of the INDI alliance. This clarification would determine the future political alignment of both groups within Maharashtra's complex political landscape.
Distrust in CBI and Demands for Transparency
While Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar had demanded a CBI inquiry for the Ajit Pawar helicopter crash, Patole expressed complete lack of confidence in the agency. "We do not have any trust in CBI, which has become the government's puppet," he declared bluntly. The Congress leader alleged that the CBI failed to make public its report into the 2019 Pulwama attack, in which forty CRPF personnel tragically lost their lives.
Quoting Rohit Pawar, Patole claimed that "even the black box of Ajit Pawar's aircraft was found to be burnt." He highlighted that the Indian government typically sends flight recorders to either the United States or Canada for detailed examination, but alleged that authorities did not disclose the status of the black box from an Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad last year.
"If aircraft of high-profile dignitaries are not safe, what about the common man?" Patole questioned pointedly, raising concerns about aviation safety standards across different segments of society.
Political Context and Potential Implications
Patole's remarks emerge against the backdrop of years of political upheaval in Maharashtra. Since 2019, the state has witnessed:
- The formation and collapse of multiple coalition governments
- The dramatic split of both the NCP and Shiv Sena political parties
- Constantly shifting alliances that have fundamentally reshaped Maharashtra's political landscape
Any potential rapprochement between the Pawar factions would mark a significant recalibration in the state's power dynamics, potentially altering the balance of political forces and influencing future electoral outcomes. The extensive discussions revealed by Patole suggest serious efforts toward reconciliation, though the ultimate outcome remains uncertain given the complex history and competing interests involved.
