AviationSafety – Supriya Sule Seeks Protection Review for Rohit Pawar
AviationSafety – Senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), Supriya Sule, has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to reassess and strengthen the security cover provided to party MLA Rohit Pawar. Her appeal comes amid growing public debate and political friction surrounding the fatal plane crash that claimed the life of senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar.
Sule said Rohit Pawar has been raising detailed and fact-based questions about the circumstances leading to the crash, prompting strong reactions both in traditional media and across social media platforms. According to her, the tone of some of these responses has heightened concerns about his safety.
Security Concerns Amid Public Debate
Addressing reporters, Sule said that while it is natural in a democracy to ask questions, the reactions that followed Rohit Pawar’s statements have led to apprehensions about his personal security. She stressed that the state government must review the existing protection arrangement in light of the situation.
She added that any elected representative who voices concerns backed by facts should feel secure while carrying out their responsibilities. In her view, ensuring adequate protection is essential to maintaining a healthy democratic process.
Family Struggles to Process the Loss
Sule also spoke about the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on Ajit Pawar’s family. She noted that his sons, Parth and Jay, are still coming to terms with the sudden loss. The unexpected nature of the crash has left many shocked, she said, adding that disbelief continues to linger among supporters and family members alike.
The aircraft went down on the morning of January 28 while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. Ajit Pawar and four others lost their lives in the incident. The crash has since sparked widespread questions about aviation oversight and safety protocols.
Rohit Pawar Questions Minister’s Role
Earlier this week, Rohit Pawar called for Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu to step aside while the investigation is underway. He argued that maintaining public confidence in the probe requires eliminating any possibility of perceived conflict of interest.
Rohit Pawar pointed to the recent wedding of the son of a VSR Aviation owner in Jaipur, Rajasthan, which was reportedly attended by a senior leader from the minister’s party, the Telugu Desam Party. Since the Aviation Minister belongs to the same political party, Rohit Pawar suggested that this association could cast doubt on the impartiality of the investigation.
He maintained that stepping down temporarily would allow for a transparent and unbiased inquiry. According to him, only a fair and independent probe can lead to credible conclusions about what caused the crash.
Demand for Independent Investigation
The Nationalist Congress Party has formally approached the Maharashtra government seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the incident. A delegation comprising senior party leaders, including Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar, national working president Praful Patel, state president Sunil Tatkare, and other prominent members, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister’s office.
Party representatives emphasized that an independent investigation is necessary to address public concerns and restore confidence. They argued that given the high-profile nature of the tragedy, a thorough and transparent examination of all technical and administrative aspects is crucial.
Opposition parties, including the NCP (SP faction), Shiv Sena (UBT), and Congress, have also voiced doubts about the circumstances of the crash, calling for clarity on possible lapses. However, authorities have yet to release detailed findings from the preliminary investigation.
As the probe continues, the focus remains on determining the technical cause of the accident while ensuring that political tensions do not overshadow the search for answers.