West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday demanded a Supreme Court–monitored investigation after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar died in a tragic plane crash, calling the incident deeply disturbing and raising concerns about the safety of opposition leaders in the country.
Reacting through a video message, Banerjee said she was “shocked” by the news and warned that the situation reflected a serious breakdown of security in India.
“There is no safety or security left, not even for political leaders. We don’t know the fate of the opposition,” she said. ‘Reports Said Ajit Pawar Was Leaving BJP’
Mamata Banerjee added a political dimension to the tragedy, claiming she had seen social media reports suggesting Ajit Pawar was considering exiting the BJP-led alliance in Maharashtra.
Calling the crash “deeply unfortunate,” she questioned whether a routine accident explanation would be enough and demanded the highest level of judicial oversight.
“The investigation should not be handed to agencies because, according to me, they are all sold. Supreme Court monitoring is the only trust left for the people,” Banerjee stated.
What Happened to the Aircraft
Ajit Pawar was travelling in a Learjet 45 chartered aircraft when it crash-landed at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. Officials confirmed that all five people on board lost their lives.
The aircraft, registered as VT-SSK and operated by VSR, took off from Mumbai at around 8:10 am. According to Air Traffic Control data, the jet attempted an emergency landing near Runway 11 at about 8:48 am.
During the manoeuvre, the aircraft reportedly lost control, hit a rock, and immediately caught fire, leaving no chance of survival.
Nation Demands Answers
As condolences pour in from across the country, Banerjee’s demand has intensified calls for transparency, accountability, and an independent probe into one of the most shocking political tragedies in recent times.
The incident has triggered widespread debate over aviation safety, political security, and the timing of the crash, especially amid reports of internal political shifts.
