“Condolences Are Not Enough”: Sanjay Raut Seeks Clear Answers on Ajit Pawar Plane Crash

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday called for a full and transparent investigation into the Baramati plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. Raising serious questions, Raut said repeated charter aircraft accidents in the country point to deeper systemic failures that cannot be ignored.

Speaking to the media, Raut asked, “How many such crashes will we see before the truth comes out? Big accidents happened earlier too, investigations were announced, but what really changed?” He stressed that merely expressing grief after such tragedies does not address the real problem.

Raut said that if the crash occurred due to technical failure, radar issues, or lapses at the airport level, the responsibility must be clearly fixed. “If it was a fault in the aircraft or the system guiding it, then who will be held accountable? Sending condolence messages will not prevent the next disaster,” he said.

He further added that the aviation sector needs urgent scrutiny, especially chartered flights used by political leaders and public figures. According to Raut, identifying the root cause is essential not only for justice but also for public safety.

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar dismissed any speculation of foul play. In a video statement released earlier, the veteran leader said the incident should not be dragged into political debate. “This was an accident. There is no conspiracy here. Politics should be kept away from this tragedy,” Sharad Pawar stated.

Ajit ‘Dada’ Pawar lost his life on Wednesday when the aircraft he was travelling in crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport. He was on his way to attend a public programme related to the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections. His death brought a sudden end to a long and turbulent political journey marked by power, controversy, and influence.