Mamata Banerjee Calls for Supreme Court-Monitored Investigation Into Ajit Pawar's Tragic Death
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed profound shock and demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who perished in a plane crash in Baramati. Speaking to journalists while en route to a public rally in Singur, Banerjee raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
"Raises Serious Questions": Mamata Hints at Possible Foul Play
The Trinamool Congress chief stated she was "really shocked" by the news and emphasized concerns about national safety and security. "I learned on social media that Ajit Pawar was likely to leave the BJP, and it happened. I want a proper investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court," Banerjee declared, directly linking political developments to the tragedy.
She further elaborated on her distrust of other investigative agencies, asserting: "We have trust only in the Supreme Court, and no other agency, as all investigative agencies have lost their independence. All other agencies are purchased." Banerjee described Pawar's death as a great loss for the country and referenced reports suggesting he had been considering a return to the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) led by his uncle, Sharad Pawar.
Social Media Condolences and Political Reactions
On her official X handle, Mamata Banerjee posted: "Deeply shocked and stunned by the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss." She extended condolences to Pawar's family, including Sharad Pawar, and reiterated her call for a thorough investigation into the incident.
In response to the tragic news, Banerjee deferred her scheduled visit to New Delhi. The political shockwaves extended within her party as well, with Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee expressing profound sadness. He stated: "I am profoundly shocked and saddened by the tragic and untimely demise of Shri Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, in the devastating plane crash at Baramati."
Context and Implications of the Demand
The demand for a Supreme Court-monitored probe comes amid:
- Heightened political tensions in Maharashtra
- Speculation about Ajit Pawar's potential political realignment
- Broader concerns about aviation safety and security protocols
- Questions about the independence of investigative agencies in India
Mamata Banerjee's intervention adds a significant national dimension to what was initially reported as an aviation accident, transforming it into a matter of political and institutional scrutiny. Her remarks reflect ongoing debates about:
- The credibility of investigative processes in sensitive cases
- The intersection of political developments and tragic events
- The role of constitutional institutions in ensuring transparent inquiries
As investigations proceed, this demand from a prominent opposition leader ensures that Ajit Pawar's death will remain under intense public and judicial scrutiny, with potential implications for both Maharashtra politics and national security protocols.
