'Something Fishy': Oppn Says '80% Of Maharashtra' Suspects Foul Play In Ajit Pawar's Plane Crash

Last Updated:February 02, 2026, 20:04 IST

BJP leaders in Maharashtra has urged the Opposition parties not to politicise the tragic death.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut and Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar. (PTI photos)

Maharashtra opposition leaders on Monday raised questions over the death of former Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, suggesting that the plane crash that killed him on January 28 may not have been a simple accident.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut called the chain of events leading to Pawar’s death as “mysterious" and claimed that the late leader had intended to reveal a file on the BJP’s alleged corruption.

Talking to reporters in New Delhi, Raut said Ajit had been planning to sever ties with the BJP and rejoin his uncle, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar.

“Ajit Pawar was constantly saying that he has a file of the BJP’s scam and he will make a revelation of this. He said this on January 15 and he died in an accident in the next 10 days. This is mysterious," Raut said.

He also questioned why the aircraft lacked proper officials, maintenance certificates, or other safety protocols, suggesting that the circumstances were unusual.

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar echoed these concerns, saying that “80 per cent of the people in Maharashtra believe there is something fishy going on."

He called for a thorough investigation and questioned the rapid oath-taking of Ajit’s widow, Sunetra Pawar, as Deputy Chief Minister just days after his death.

“How can negligence happen in the case of such a big leader. NCP leaders should demand that PM Modi get this investigated. If this is not an accident, if there is a conspiracy behind this, then who does that point to?" he asked.

Stop Politicising: BJP

Meanwhile, the BJP leaders in Maharashtra has urged the Opposition parties not to politicise the tragic death.

State Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan said the state is still mourning Ajit Pawar’s death, but Opposition leaders are busy linking it to alleged files and political rivalries.

“Why is the Opposition talking about Pawar possessing some files and linking them with his accident? What are they trying to imply?" he noted.

Another BJP leader, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, said the aircraft’s black box has been recovered and is under analysis, which will help determine the cause of the crash. “Once the analysis of the black box details is completed, it will clear the air (on the crash). People will come to know reasons behind the accident," he said.

Ajit Pawar, 66, died along with his personal security officer, flight attendant, and two pilots while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal probe into the crash.

(With inputs from agencies)

News politics 'Something Fishy': Oppn Says '80% Of Maharashtra' Suspects Foul Play In Ajit Pawar's Plane Crash

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