West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ignited a political firestorm in the wake of the tragic Baramati plane crash that resulted in the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. On Wednesday, she openly called for a Supreme Court–monitored investigation, suggesting that the incident might be more than a mere accident.

Addressing a gathering of reporters, Banerjee appeared visibly shaken. She stated she was “deeply shocked” by the sudden demise of the Deputy CM. She framed the tragedy not merely as a loss for his family or his party, but as a significant blow to the nation’s political fabric. Highlighting her anxiety regarding the protection of public figures, she remarked that currently, there appeared to be “no safety and security even for political leaders in the country.”

The West Bengal Chief Minister did not shy away from addressing the intense speculation that has taken over social media platforms—specifically rumors that Pawar was on the verge of making a major political realignment. She insisted that the suspicious nature of the crash required a deeper look. “What happened today raises serious questions,” she asserted.

For Banerjee, the standard investigative procedures are insufficient for a tragedy of this magnitude. She argued that the public would only find closure and confidence through an inquiry led directly by the highest court in the land. “We trust only the Supreme Court. Other agencies no longer enjoy credibility,” she said, pointing toward what she perceives as a complete erosion of institutional independence in India.

Allegations of a Political Shift

In a startling revelation, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo claimed she had received information regarding Pawar’s political maneuvering just prior to the accident. She alleged that there were ongoing discussions indicating Pawar was “willing to leave BJP” a mere 48 hours before the fatal crash occurred.

Elaborating on this, she told the press: “I don't know what is the fate of the opposition political parties but he was very much with the ruling party. But two days ago, I came to know that someone from another party had given a statement that Pawar was willing to leave the BJP, and now this has happened today.”

Banerjee remained firm on her stance regarding the investigation mechanism. “I demand a proper investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court. We have trust only in the Supreme Court and no other agency. All agencies have been completely compromised,” she added, reinforcing her distrust in central agencies.

She went further to suggest that Ajit Pawar was in the process of a "homecoming" of sorts. She alleged he was preparing to reunite with the faction of the Nationalist Congress Party led by his uncle, Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP). She cited recent reports that had hinted at this reconciliation.

Reflecting on the timing and the potential future that was cut short, she observed: “It is truly a great loss. Today he is in the opposition, but tomorrow he was supposed to return to the original course of his party. My condolences to his family, the people of Maharashtra, and to Sharad Pawar.”Political Backlash and Calls for Restraint

The allegations of foul play drew an immediate and sharp reaction from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut dismissed Banerjee's comments, terming them a “petty” statement. Ranaut urged opposition leaders to “show a little restraint” during a period of national grief.

“We are all in mourning that such a major mishap occurred this morning. All of us are discussing in Parliament that many people travel by helicopter. So, instead of speaking such petty things at such a time, she should show a little restraint,” Ranaut stated, criticizing the politicization of the tragedy.Opposition Leaders Unite in Grief and Demand Answers

Beyond the clash between the TMC and BJP, a chorus of voices from across the political spectrum has emerged, demanding a thorough probe into the crash that killed Ajit Pawar and five others.

Leaders such as Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi leader Prakash Ambedkar have all expressed their condolences while simultaneously demanding accountability.

Lalu Prasad Yadav took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice his pain. He wrote that he was “extremely heartbroken” and offered prayers for peace to Ajit Pawar’s soul and strength for his grieving family and supporters, paying a “humble tribute” to the departed leader.

Similarly, Gaurav Gogoi insisted on the necessity of a “proper and transparent investigation” into the catastrophe. He stated he was “deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Ajit Pawar ji,” acknowledging that Pawar’s decades of public service had left a lasting imprint on the political landscape of Maharashtra.

Prakash Ambedkar also joined the call for a comprehensive inquiry. While expressing his shock, he extended his sympathies to the family and followers of the Deputy CM. Reflecting on Pawar's unique persona, Ambedkar noted that “whether you liked it or not, Ajit had his own style of political work.”A Routine Trip Turned Tragic

The details of the crash paint a grim picture of a routine political engagement gone wrong. Ajit Pawar was traveling from Mumbai to Baramati—the constituency of his cousin Supriya Sule—to address four scheduled public meetings in preparation for the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections.

The aircraft involved was a 16-year-old Bombardier Learjet 45, a twin-engine light jet popular for VIP and corporate transport. It was operated by VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd. and bore the registration number VT-SSK. The flight had departed from Mumbai at 8:10 am.

According to data from flight tracking services like Flightradar24, the journey encountered difficulties upon reaching its destination. The data indicates the pilot made an unsuccessful first attempt to land at 8:30 am, likely forced to abort due to poor visibility conditions. The aircraft then circled for a second approach at 8:42 am.

Tragically, the plane disappeared from radar screens around 8:45 am. It crashed near the threshold of runway 11 at approximately 8:50 am.

Site Conditions and Technical Details

The crash site in Baramati witnessed a scene of devastation. The impact was so severe that the aircraft was completely destroyed, with debris scattered across a wide area and smoke billowing into the sky. Visuals from the ground confirmed the wreckage was engulfed in flames upon impact.

Initial reports point toward poor visibility as a primary factor; the Baramati airport does not have night-landing facilities, which limits the safety of landings during low-light or low-visibility conditions. The tragedy was absolute—no survivors were found. The crash was violent enough that Ajit Pawar’s body could only be identified later by the watch he was wearing, as the victims were left unrecognizable.

Alongside the Deputy Chief Minister, his personal bodyguard and the flight crew perished. The operator of the aircraft, VSR Aviation, represented by owner VK Singh, spoke to India Today TV hours after the disaster. Defending the integrity of the machine, Singh claimed the aircraft was “100% safe” and emphasized that it was flown by an experienced crew. He confirmed that the pilots, Captain Sumit Kapoor and Captain Sambhavi Pathak, were among those killed.

Security agencies and senior officials rushed to the site immediately following the accident to secure the area and begin the grim task of recovery and investigation.