Mumbai, March 17 NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar met Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Tuesday and requested him to initiate a detailed discussion in the House during the ongoing legislative session regarding the death of his uncle and former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash.
Pawar submitted a memorandum to Narwekar, urging that the circumstances surrounding the January 28 plane crash, in which Ajit Pawar died, be thoroughly discussed in the state legislature.
"It is extremely unfortunate that despite Ajit dada's untimely death in a plane crash, there has not even been a basic discussion in the legislature. Therefore, I met Speaker Rahul Narwekar and requested that the issue be taken up for a detailed debate. I have also submitted a memorandum in this regard," the legislator from the Karjat-Jamkhed assembly constituency in the Ahilyanagar district said.
"Considering Ajit dada's contribution and the suspicious nature of the accident, I expect that the Speaker will allow a discussion," he added.
In his representation, Pawar raised multiple concerns regarding the crash, including possible technical faults, operational lapses, and regulatory oversight. He sought a comprehensive investigation into the aircraft's maintenance, airworthiness, safety systems, and compliance with flight duty time limitations.
The MLA also called for scrutiny of cockpit voice recordings, ATC transcripts, flight radar data, and CCTV footage, along with an investigation into the role of the operating company and aviation regulators. He demanded that all findings be made public to ensure transparency.
Pawar further urged that an independent and time-bound inquiry be conducted, including a criminal investigation if required, and suggested involving international agencies for an impartial probe.
Highlighting Ajit Pawar's legacy, he noted that the late leader had served as deputy chief minister six times and presented the state budget 11 times, and said the absence of legislative discussion on such a significant incident was "deeply unfortunate".