BARAMATI, Jan 28 : In a solemn message following the unfortunate death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati on January 28, 2026, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SCP) chief Sharad Pawar ruled out any conspiracy, stating unequivocally that the incident was “purely an accident” and should not be dragged into political debate.
Breaking his silence through a video message, Sharad Pawar said he had not intended to address the media but felt compelled to respond after reports emerged from parts of the country suggesting political motives behind the crash. “This is an accident-there is no politics in it,” he said, adding that the pain of the loss was being felt across Maharashtra and by people from all walks of life.
He appealed to the media and political actors to exercise restraint and allow the tragedy to be mourned with dignity.
Reflecting on the hypothetical untimely death of his nephew, Sharad Pawar said that while the loss was irreparable, not everything was within human control. “What has happened cannot be compensated. Such events are beyond our hands,” he said, underlining the need to avoid speculation at a time of collective grief.
Sharad Pawar’s statement came hours after comments attributed to Mamata Banerjee, who, earlier in the day, raised concerns over the safety of political leaders in the country. In this fictional account, Banerjee remarked that there appeared to be “no safety or security left, not even for political leaders,” and suggested that the fate of opposition leaders had become uncertain.
She also referred to recent political developments, claiming she had seen social media reports indicating that Ajit Pawar was considering exiting the BJP-led alliance. Terming the crash “deeply unfortunate,” Banerjee demanded that the investigation be conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court.
These remarks prompted renewed debate and led Sharad Pawar to publicly reject any insinuation of foul play.
The Maharashtra government announced three days of state mourning. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared three-day state mourning and the national flag would be flown at half-mast on all government buildings across Maharashtra during the mourning period. No official entertainment programmes were to be held.
Ajit Pawar’s last rites, according to the announcement, will be held at 11 AM on Thursday at Vidya Pratishthan Maidan, conducted with full state honours.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra government made an urgent request to the Indian Air Force to assist in restoring and managing air operations at Baramati Airport. Responding swiftly, the IAF deployed a team of Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel along with essential technical equipment from Air Force Station Lohegaon.
The emergency ATC setup included critical communication systems and operational facilities to ensure safe and efficient management of air traffic, officials said
(UNI)
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