Former chief minister and senior Rajya Sabha parliamentarian Digvijaya Singh has issued a strong demand for a comprehensive investigation into the aircraft company and its maintenance protocols following the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra's deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar along with four other individuals. The incident occurred in Baramati, Maharashtra, sending shockwaves through the political landscape of India.
A Call for Accountability and Safety Review
Expressing profound sorrow over the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar, Digvijaya Singh emphasized the need for accountability in aviation safety. "It is a matter of deep sorrow that Ajit Dada died in a plane crash," Singh stated, highlighting the significant loss to Indian politics. He noted that Ajit Pawar possessed extensive political experience and a long history of public service, making his passing a major jolt for the nation.
Parliamentary Connections and Safety Concerns
Singh revealed a personal connection to the tragedy, pointing out that Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, serves as a member of the Rajya Sabha and is part of the same Parliamentary Standing Committee on education, women, children, youth, and sports that he chairs. This shared committee membership adds a layer of personal and professional significance to the incident.
Raising critical questions about the circumstances of the crash, Singh inquired, "But why did this accident happen?" He provided preliminary information indicating that an aircraft from the same company had experienced a similar crash in Mumbai three years prior, attributing that incident to low visibility conditions.
Technical Details and Regulatory Scrutiny
According to Singh, standard aviation protocols mandate that no airplane should attempt a landing unless visibility reaches at least 5 kilometers. He detailed the sequence of events, explaining that the aircraft initially attempted to land but aborted the approach for a take-off, only to crash during a second landing attempt when it missed the airstrip.
Singh urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to conduct a full-scale investigation into the incident. He posed several pressing questions regarding the maintenance oversight of the aircraft company involved, particularly referencing its previous crash history. "And who is looking after the maintenance of the aircraft from that company which suffered an air crash three years ago? Does the company have DGCA clearance?" he questioned, advocating for a detailed probe into these aspects.
Political Tributes and Condolences
In the wake of the tragedy, political leaders across party lines have extended their condolences. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took to social media to pay homage to Ajit Pawar, describing him as a leader dedicated to serving poor, deprived, and backward communities. Yadav praised Pawar's invaluable contributions to Maharashtra's development and his grassroots connectivity, offering prayers for strength to the bereaved family.
Former chief minister Kamal Nath also expressed grief over the tragic demise, noting that Ajit Pawar's death represents an irreparable loss to Indian politics. Nath highlighted Pawar's lifelong dedication to the people of Maharashtra and extended sympathies to the family, hoping for divine peace and fortitude during this difficult time.
As investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring aviation safety and preventing such incidents in the future, with Digvijaya Singh's call for scrutiny underscoring the urgency of addressing potential systemic issues within the aircraft maintenance and regulatory framework.
