Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Ajit Pawar Conspiracy’ Claim: Political Firestorm After Plane Crash

'Was willing to leave BJP': Mamata floats conspiracy theory on Ajit Pawar's death

In a move that has sent shockwaves through India’s political landscape, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged a dark Ajit Pawar death conspiracy following the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of the Maharashtra Deputy CM on January 28, 2026 [[1]]. Her explosive comments, made while the nation is still in mourning, have sparked a fierce political row and drawn sharp criticism from the ruling BJP.

Banerjee’s claim isn’t just a simple expression of grief; it’s a direct accusation laced with high-stakes political intrigue, suggesting that Pawar’s death was not an accident but a targeted act linked to his reported political ambitions. This has instantly transformed a national tragedy into a flashpoint for partisan conflict.

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The Tragedy: Ajit Pawar’s Fatal Plane Crash

The day began with devastating news. On the morning of January 28, 2026, a Learjet 45 aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed while attempting an emergency landing near Baramati, Pune [[12]]. The crash, which also claimed the lives of four others on board, was a massive blow to the state and the nation [[14]].

Pawar, a veteran politician and a key figure in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was a central pillar of the Maharashtra government. His sudden and tragic demise left a void in the state’s political machinery and prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu [[16]].

Mamata Banerjee’s Explosive Claim: The Ajit Pawar Death Conspiracy

While most leaders were focused on expressing their condolences, Mamata Banerjee took a starkly different path. In a press conference, she didn’t just mourn the loss; she floated a serious political conspiracy theory. She claimed that there were reports suggesting Ajit Pawar was “willing to leave BJP” and rejoin his uncle Sharad Pawar’s faction of the NCP [[1]].

“I am deeply shocked… Even political opponents are human beings,” she said, before quickly pivoting to her core allegation. “But I have heard that he was willing to leave BJP. If this is true, then we must find out what exactly happened,” she stated, directly linking his reported political intentions to his untimely death [[21]].

This assertion forms the crux of the Ajit Pawar death conspiracy narrative she is pushing. By implying a connection between his potential political shift and the crash, she has cast a long shadow of suspicion over the incident.

BJP’s Fierce Backlash: Kangana Ranaut Calls It ‘Petty’

Unsurprisingly, Banerjee’s comments were met with immediate and scathing criticism from the BJP. The party saw her statement as a crass attempt to politicize a moment of national grief. BJP MP and prominent actress Kangana Ranaut was among the first to respond, labeling Banerjee’s remarks as “petty” [[21]].

“This is not the time for such baseless allegations,” Ranaut is reported to have said, reflecting the sentiment of many within her party who felt that Banerjee was exploiting the tragedy for political gain [[23]]. The BJP’s swift and unified response underscores how seriously they are taking this challenge to their integrity.

The Political Context: Pawar’s Reported Defection Plans

To understand the gravity of Banerjee’s claim, one must look at the complex political chessboard of Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar had a history of dramatic political shifts. In 2023, he split from his uncle Sharad Pawar’s NCP to form his own faction and ally with the BJP-led NDA [[17]].

Rumors had been swirling in political circles for weeks that Ajit Pawar was unhappy with his alliance with the BJP and was considering a return to his roots under his uncle’s leadership. While these were never officially confirmed, they provided the fertile ground upon which Banerjee’s conspiracy theory could take root. Her statement gave public voice to these private whispers, turning speculation into a formal political accusation.

Demands for a Supreme Court Probe: Why Now?

Going beyond just voicing her suspicions, Banerjee has made a concrete demand: a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the crash. She explicitly stated, “Only we have trust over the Supreme Court, no other agency. All other agencies are purchased,” casting doubt on the impartiality of central investigative bodies like the CBI or the DGCA [[19]].

This demand is a strategic masterstroke. It serves two purposes: first, it gives her allegations a veneer of seeking justice rather than mere political point-scoring. Second, it puts immense pressure on the central government. Rejecting a call for a SC-monitored probe could be painted as an attempt to cover up the truth, while accepting it would validate her core premise that the crash is suspicious enough to warrant the highest level of judicial oversight.

For more on the legal precedents of such probes, you can refer to [INTERNAL_LINK:supreme-court-monitored-investigations-india].

Conclusion: A Nation Divided in Grief and Suspicion

The tragic death of Ajit Pawar was a moment that should have united the nation in shared sorrow. Instead, Mamata Banerjee’s allegations of an Ajit Pawar death conspiracy have plunged it into a new cycle of political acrimony. Her claims, while lacking public evidence, have tapped into existing political tensions and distrust, creating a narrative that will be difficult to dispel.

As the official investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) begins [[9]], the pressure from Banerjee’s camp for a parallel, court-monitored probe will only intensify. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this remains a politically charged allegation or if any concrete evidence emerges to substantiate the serious claims of foul play. For now, the nation mourns a leader lost, while its political class is locked in a bitter battle over the circumstances of his passing.

Sources

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