Mechanical Fault Grounds Maharashtra Minister's Helicopter Hours Before Campaign Flight
A scheduled helicopter flight for Maharashtra minister Pankaja Munde was abruptly canceled after aviation technicians discovered a mechanical fault during a routine maintenance check. The incident occurred late Monday evening at Chikalthana airport in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, just hours before the BJP leader was set to travel to Latur for election campaigning.
Last-Minute Discovery Delays Campaign Schedule
According to airport authorities cited by news agency PTI, the defect was identified during a standard maintenance procedure conducted late Monday night. The helicopter had been scheduled to transport Minister Munde to Latur around 11 AM on Tuesday, but the departure was delayed by nearly two hours following the discovery.
Munde had arrived in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Monday via private jet and had utilized the same helicopter for campaign-related travel earlier that afternoon. The technical issues were detected only during the subsequent maintenance check, prompting immediate alerts to airport officials.
Minister Acknowledges Aircraft Age, Continues Campaign
Speaking to reporters about the incident, Minister Munde acknowledged that the helicopter was "dated" but stated she chose not to complain and proceeded with her campaign program as planned. She has been actively campaigning across Marathwada for the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections scheduled for February 7th.
The minister noted that recent aviation tragedies, particularly the fatal crash involving NCP leader Ajit Pawar, have created unease among political leaders regarding air travel. "Following NCP leader Ajit Pawar's fatal plane crash on January 28th in Baramati, air travel has caused unease among political leaders," Munde stated.
Recent Aviation Tragedy Heightens Safety Concerns
The mechanical fault discovery comes against the backdrop of a devastating aviation incident that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar just over a week earlier. The 66-year-old leader perished along with four others when their chartered aircraft crash-landed near the runway threshold at Baramati airport in Pune district.
All five individuals aboard the flight lost their lives, including Pawar's personal security officer, a flight attendant, and both pilots. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra's political circles and raised serious questions about aviation safety protocols.
Political Reactions and Calls for Investigation
Following Pawar's death, Minister Munde expressed profound grief, stating: "It is a matter of great sorrow. Ajit Dada was an active, disciplined and efficient leader and minister. Much more good work for Maharashtra could have been accomplished through him, and his sudden death is deeply painful."
Several political parties have since demanded thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding Pawar's death and the aircraft involved. Senior Congress leader Arif Naseem Khan called for a detailed inquiry into the increasing number of aviation incidents, noting Pawar's significant contributions to Maharashtra politics.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sachin Ahir expressed shock at the loss, stating from Baramati: "We are completely numb and unable to believe this has happened. Just yesterday, Dada was with us. He lived a challenging life. I had the opportunity to work as a minister of state in his cabinet. Such a personality is no longer among us—it is a great loss, not just for the state and the country, but for everyone."
Broader Implications for Political Travel Safety
The consecutive aviation incidents involving prominent Maharashtra political figures have sparked renewed discussions about transportation safety for elected officials during election campaigns. With multiple leaders frequently traveling across vast regions for political engagements, the reliability and maintenance of aircraft have become critical concerns.
The mechanical fault discovery in Minister Munde's helicopter, while not resulting in any accident, has highlighted the importance of rigorous pre-flight checks and maintenance procedures, particularly in light of recent tragedies. Aviation authorities are likely facing increased scrutiny regarding safety protocols and inspection standards for aircraft used by public officials.
As election campaigning intensifies across Maharashtra, political leaders and aviation regulators must balance the demands of hectic travel schedules with uncompromising safety standards to prevent further tragedies and ensure secure transportation for all public figures.
