NCP MLA Accuses TDP of Conflict in Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Investigation
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar made serious allegations on Saturday, claiming that Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu's family members have personal and financial connections with VSR Ventures, the operator of the aircraft that crashed in Baramati on January 28 with his uncle Ajit Pawar on board. He called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's direct intervention in the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident.
Demand for Aviation Minister's Resignation
Rohit Pawar reiterated his demand for the resignation of Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, emphasizing that the minister belongs to the TDP. He argued that expecting transparency in the probe while a TDP member heads the ministry is unrealistic. "No transparency could be expected in the plane crash probe till he headed the ministry," stated Ajit Pawar's nephew during a press conference in New Delhi, marking his third presentation on the crash.
Allegations of Financial and Personal Ties
The MLA detailed that a financial firm owned by Chandrababu Naidu's family provided funding to VSR Ventures and that family members attended the wedding of the aviation firm's director. "When there are personal and financial relations between TDP members and VSR owners, how can we expect an aviation minister, also from TDP, to investigate the crash in an independent and transparent manner?" Rohit questioned, highlighting potential conflicts of interest.
TDP's Response to Allegations
TDP sources strongly denied the accusations, labeling them as completely unfounded, baseless, and politically motivated. They asserted that aircraft accident investigations follow strict protocols set by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and International Civil Aviation Organisation norms. "These inquiries are technical, transparent, and entirely evidence-driven. Rather than making wild allegations, we should let the investigating bodies do their job and come up with evidence-based answers," a TDP leader commented.
Political Dynamics and Justice Concerns
Rohit Pawar pointed out the complex political relationships, noting that Ajit Pawar had a personal friendship with BJP beyond mere alliance ties. "BJP has TDP's political support at the Centre, but it had a personal friendship with Ajit Pawar. Now, will BJP prefer to support the alliance partner, TDP, for political reasons or ensure justice to its friend Ajit Pawar?" he posed to reporters, urging the BJP to prioritize justice over political alliances.
Delays and Suspicious in Investigation
Expressing frustration over the lack of progress, Rohit mentioned that nearly a month has passed since the crash, yet the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has not submitted any preliminary report. He raised concerns about additional petrol cans found on the plane, suggesting they may have caused the fire. "Additional petrol cans were kept in the area to keep bags in the plane, and that's what caused the fire. This needs to be investigated," he insisted.
Broader Connections and Calls for Action
The MLA alleged that VSR Ventures has support from influential figures across Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, leading to suspicions of manipulation in the investigation. He called on PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene, stating they are the only ones capable of confronting the powerful individuals involved. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Rohit wrote, "You have always shown respect for Ajit Dada and his contribution to the country. In this context, I request that Rammohan Naidu be asked to resign from his post." He also plans to write to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to raise the issue in Parliament.
Family and Political Support for Probe
Following Rohit's earlier questions, Ajit Pawar's family members, including his sons Parth and Jay, have also expressed suspicions about the crash. The NCP recently submitted a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding a CBI probe. Rohit welcomed this move but noted, "It is good that NCP has demanded a CBI probe. They should have done it much earlier. NCP is a part of NDA and had they approached Shah immediately after the crash, the CBI investigation would have started by now."
TDP sources expressed regret over the politicization of the tragedy, affirming their respect for Ajit Pawar and commitment to uncovering the truth. The investigation continues as political tensions rise over the handling of the case.
