Baramati/ Pune: NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar on Saturday stirred fresh controversy by stating that doubts linger in everyone’s mind over the circumstances surrounding the tragic plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on January 28.
Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in the delayed Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in Baramati, Rohit announced he would present a detailed explanation in Mumbai on February 10, outlining why and how the crash might have occurred.
The Learjet 45 chartered flight from Mumbai crashed during landing at Baramati Airport, claiming the lives of Ajit Pawar and four others on board, including the crew and security personnel. The incident led to the postponement of the local body polls originally scheduled for February 5.
Rohit Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s nephew and MLA from Karjat-Jamkhed, emphasised that he deeply desired the reunification of the rival NCP factions. “Ajit dada sincerely wished for everyone to unite as a single family. Efforts for merger will continue,” he said, noting that the Sharad Pawar-led NCP(SP) and the NCP contested the elections united under the NCP’s ‘clock’ symbol, reflecting growing alignment.
He further revealed plans for a February 12 address in Mumbai to explain the real intent behind the merger talks and whether Ajit Pawar’s approach was purely political or emotional.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut backed the calls for clarity, pointing out that several NCP figures — including MLAs Amol Mitkari, Chhagan Bhujbal, and MP Bajrang Sonawane — have also expressed suspicions. Raut criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for urging against politicising the issue and questioning why the BJP leadership appeared uncomfortable when Ajit Pawar’s own family and close aides raised doubts. “No one needs to be threatened or silenced,” Raut added, demanding answers without intimidation.
The crash remains under investigation by aviation authorities amid growing demands for a transparent, possibly court-monitored probe.