BJP Minister Accuses Rohit Pawar of Exploiting Ajit Pawar's Death for Political Mileage
In a sharp political confrontation, senior BJP member and cabinet minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Friday leveled serious allegations against NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar. He accused the young legislator of attempting to gain political advantage from the tragic death of his uncle, Ajit Pawar, in a recent plane crash. The fiery statement has reignited longstanding tensions within the influential Pawar family.
"They Did Not Give Him Respect When Alive"
Addressing reporters in Ahilyanagar, Vikhe Patil launched a direct attack on Rohit Pawar and his granduncle, veteran politician Sharad Pawar. "The entire state knows how he behaved with Ajit Pawar when he was alive," the BJP minister asserted. "He and his granduncle did not give Ajit Pawar the respect he deserved during his lifetime." This pointed remark refers to the complex and often strained relationships within Maharashtra's most prominent political dynasty.
Rohit Pawar's Strong Rebuttal
Rohit Pawar swiftly countered the allegations, describing Vikhe Patil's comments as both "irresponsible" and "unfortunate." "Nobody should face an unfortunate incident like Ajit Pawar," Rohit stated, expressing shock at the BJP minister's approach. He questioned whether Vikhe Patil was attempting to divert attention from the serious issues surrounding the January 28 plane crash in Baramati, which claimed Ajit Pawar's life along with four others.
Rohit Pawar emphasized that he had not introduced politics into the tragedy, having made two presentations earlier that raised legitimate concerns about the crash. His response highlights the sensitive nature of discussing a family tragedy that has significant political implications across Maharashtra.
Background of the Bitter Family Feud
The current controversy stems from deep-seated family divisions that became public in July 2023. At that time, Ajit Pawar dramatically rebelled against his uncle Sharad Pawar, joining the ruling Mahayuti alliance with several NCP legislators. This move triggered a formal split in the Nationalist Congress Party and initiated a prolonged war of words between Ajit Pawar and Rohit Pawar, who remained loyal to the senior Pawar faction.
Following Ajit Pawar's death, senior NCP (SP) members, including both Sharad Pawar and Rohit Pawar, claimed that the deceased leader had expressed a desire to reconcile and merge the two factions. This narrative of potential reconciliation contrasts sharply with Vikhe Patil's accusations of ongoing disrespect.
Historical Grievances Surface
Vikhe Patil further escalated his criticism by referencing historical political decisions. He pointed specifically to the 2004 Maharashtra assembly election results, alleging that the NCP leadership committed injustice against Ajit Pawar. Despite the NCP winning more seats than its alliance partner Congress, the party conceded the chief minister's position to Congress.
"The party deprived Ajit Pawar of the chief minister's post," Vikhe Patil declared, demanding an explanation from both Sharad Pawar and Rohit Pawar. This historical reference adds another layer to the current controversy, suggesting that grievances within the Pawar family extend back nearly two decades.
Political Implications and Ongoing Tensions
The exchange between Vikhe Patil and Rohit Pawar occurs against the backdrop of Maharashtra's volatile political landscape. The BJP minister's intervention appears calculated to highlight divisions within the opposition NCP factions while positioning his party as sympathetic to Ajit Pawar's legacy. Meanwhile, Rohit Pawar's defense focuses on maintaining dignity around a personal tragedy while addressing legitimate concerns about aviation safety.
This controversy demonstrates how family dynamics within political dynasties can quickly become national news, with accusations and counter-accusations influencing public perception. The plane crash tragedy has thus become entangled with pre-existing political rivalries, creating a complex narrative that continues to unfold across Maharashtra's political arena.
