NCP Leadership Presses for Central Investigation into Fatal Aviation Incident
In a significant development, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, accompanied by senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) members, convened with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday. The delegation formally requested a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the tragic January 28 air crash that claimed the life of prominent NCP leader Ajit Pawar and four others in Baramati.
State Government Assurances and Political Backing
Following the meeting, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare addressed the media, revealing that Chief Minister Fadnavis has assured the delegation that the state government will communicate their demand to the Union Home Ministry. Tatkare emphasized that while independent agency probes have been initiated, a CBI investigation would provide a more comprehensive examination of the incident. He stated, "The government has already initiated a probe by independent agencies and has said it will order a CBI investigation. We believe a probe by the central agency would be thorough and leave no stone unturned."
Sunetra Pawar, supported by her elder son Parth Pawar and other party members, personally handed a detailed letter to CM Fadnavis outlining the necessity for a CBI probe. Tatkare confirmed that the entire NCP legislature party stands united behind Sunetra Pawar, with no internal dissent regarding this demand.
Technical Concerns and Aviation Safety Questions
The NCP's letter to the Chief Minister highlights numerous technical and operational concerns that have emerged following the crash. The party asserts that multiple aspects of the incident raise legitimate apprehensions, necessitating investigation by an independent central agency with specialized expertise.
Key substantial questions identified in the letter include:
- Reported last-minute changes in flight crew composition, requiring scrutiny of operational decision-making and authorization protocols.
- Apparent anomalies concerning Air Traffic Control communications and the sequencing of runway clearances.
- Concerns regarding the functioning and integrity of critical onboard safety warning systems.
- The absence of any recorded distress communication despite the aircraft's proximity to the landing phase.
- Matters requiring forensic evaluation, including crew fitness, maintenance compliance, and aircraft systems performance.
Rationale for CBI Involvement and Broader Implications
The NCP argues that the investigation involves highly technical aviation, forensic, electronic, and operational considerations that exceed the scope of state-level agencies. The CBI's investigative powers, technical expertise, and inter-state jurisdictional capacity render it the most appropriate agency to conduct a comprehensive and credible inquiry.
Furthermore, the letter stresses that a CBI probe would reinforce public confidence in the fairness and integrity of the investigative process, ensuring all aspects are examined without limitation. The party emphasized that "the nature of the incident transcends an ordinary accident and directly engages public confidence in aviation safety, regulatory oversight, and institutional accountability."
Political Context and Alliance Dynamics
In related political developments, Tatkare disclosed that BJP state chief Ravindra Chavan visited the NCP office to discuss the future trajectory of the Mahayuti alliance following its victory in recent zilla parishad polls. This meeting underscores ongoing coordination between alliance partners amidst the sensitive investigation demand.
Tatkare also addressed unrelated governance issues, noting that incidents such as alleged bribery in NCP minister Narhari Zirwal's office negatively impact the government's and ministers' public image. These remarks highlight broader concerns within the ruling coalition about maintaining administrative integrity.
The demand for a CBI probe into Ajit Pawar's fatal air crash represents a critical juncture for Maharashtra's political and aviation safety landscape, with potential ramifications for public trust and inter-agency cooperation.
