West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday floated the possibility of ‘foul play’ in the fatal plane crash involving Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Speaking to the press in Kolkata, CM Banerjee also demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation and claiming that other agencies could not be trusted.
“I am deeply shocked to hear about the demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash this morning,” the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief said expressing grief over the untimely demise of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader.
Banerjee also referred to recent reports suggesting that Pawar was preparing to rejoin the Nationalist Congress Party faction led by his uncle, Sharad Pawar. She hinted at possible conspiracy in the incident, citing recent political developments. “Even political leaders are not safe in this country, let alone common people. Two days ago, I came to know that someone from another party had given a statement that Pawar was willing to leave the BJP, and now this has happened today,” she said.
Calling for an independent probe she demanded a top court-supervised inquiry into the plane crash in Baramati area in Pune district. Banerjee added, “I demand a proper investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court. We have trust only in the Supreme Court and no other agency. All agencies have been completely compromised.”
Extending condolences, she said her sympathies were with Pawar’s family, the people of Maharashtra, and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Sharad Pawar.
Reacting to Banerjee’s remarks, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticised the statement and urged restraint. Quoted by ANI, Ranaut said, “We are all in mourning that such a major mishap occurred this morning. All of us are discussing in Parliament that many people travel by helicopter. So, instead of speaking such petty things at such a time, she should show a little restraint.”
The NCP supremo, Ajit Pawar’s chartered flight crashed en route to Baramati on Wednesday morning. Pawar was on his way for election campaign when he met with the accident. According to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the small aircraft plummeted after the pilots were unable to spot the runway in a landing attempt. The flight met its fate during its second landing attempt. The pilots could not even make a Mayday call, the DGCA said. 5 persons, including two pilots lost their lives in the crash. A Learjet 45 business aircraft operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd.was registered as VT-SSK, was operating a Mumbai–Baramati flight when the incident occurred around 8.44 am.
