The political landscape in Maharashtra remains turbulent following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28, 2026. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has raised concerns and doubts surrounding the circumstances of Pawar's death, hinting at a hidden narrative.

Raut described Ajit Pawar's death as a "black day" for Maharashtra, acknowledging Pawar's significant influence on the state's politics and administration. He emphasized Pawar's open-heartedness and widespread admiration among party workers, stating that his absence leaves a void in Maharashtra's political arena. However, amidst these expressions of grief, Raut has also alluded to unsettling questions that need answering.

Raut has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the Baramati plane crash, emphasizing the need to identify the root cause of the accident. He questioned the effectiveness of mere condolences without accountability, particularly in light of frequent chartered flight accidents across the country. Raut referenced a previous major accident in Ahmedabad, questioning whether the investigation had yielded any concrete results. He stressed that if the accident stemmed from a technical fault, radar malfunction, or airport-related issue, identifying these factors is crucial.

Furthermore, Raut has accused the ruling BJP of attempting to exploit Ajit Pawar's death for political gain. He criticized the BJP for seeking opportunities "even in death" and declined to comment on speculation surrounding Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar's wife, potentially being sworn in as the new Deputy Chief Minister, stating he had no information on the matter. Raut stated that it was not the appropriate time to discuss such issues and that he would address them after the mourning period.

These statements from Raut came in response to NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar's claim of having "no idea" about any plans to appoint Sunetra Pawar as deputy chief minister. Raut suggested that only a select few leaders, including top BJP officials and senior NCP leaders like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, would be privy to such information.

The circumstances surrounding Ajit Pawar's death remain a sensitive and politically charged issue. Sanjay Raut's statements reflect the existing tensions and raise questions about potential underlying motives and power dynamics within Maharashtra's political sphere. As investigations into the plane crash continue, Raut's call for transparency and accountability underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to Ajit Pawar's untimely demise.