29 January,2026 03:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC slams Mamata Banerjee over `conspiracy` claims in AJit Pawar death. File pic
After Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Thursday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Shain slammed Mamata Banerjee for alleging a conspiracy behind the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, urging her and others to refrain from politicising someone's death.
Speaking to media on Thursday, after Ajit Pawar's sudden demise, West Bengal CM Banerjee claimed that Ajit Pawar was likely to leave the NDA and had been planning to return to the Opposition's INDIA bloc.
In reply, Shaina NC termed the comments 'inappropriate and insensitive' while cautioning against using the unfortunate incident for political point-scoring.
The Shiv Sena leader asserted, "Mamata Banerjee, please do not do politics on someone's death. It may be a political issue for you, but for the country, it was a shocking incident in which a senior leader lost his life," as per IANS.
She also added, "He had gone to Baramati for work. Technical failure is a possibility, and there should be an investigation, but calling it a conspiracy is not right. This is not the script of a B-grade film. If you cannot express sympathy, then please refrain from making such statements."
The Shiv Sena leader further clarified that there is no conspiracy behind the deputy chief minister's sudden demise.
Shaina also said, "Sharad Pawar has stated that it was a technical failure. Everything will become clear in the coming days. Those who are trying to politicise this tragedy should remember that death is not a gift; it is sometimes a matter of fate," as per IANS.
Recalling Ajit Pawar's long political career, she said that the Maharashtra Chief Minister devoted nearly five decades of his life to public service in Maharashtra.
Hailing the NCP chief, Shaina emphasised, "Ajit Pawar contributed nearly 50 years to Maharashtra politics. He began his career as an MLA from Baramati, went on to become Finance Minister and Irrigation Minister, and served as Deputy Chief Minister six times. Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of 66 years, six months and six days. If we talk about an able administrator, Ajit Pawar âDada' will always be remembered as one," as per IANS.
Shaina NC, while highlighting that the Maharashtra political circle will remain incomplete after Ajit Pawar's death, said, "He worked tirelessly for Baramati and for Maharashtra. The vacuum left by his demise will be deeply felt. With leaders like Eknath Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he played a crucial role, and his absence is a major loss to Maharashtra politics."
She further noted that Ajit Pawar was not only a mass leader but also an accessible administrator.
"One of his most remarkable qualities was that every morning from 6 am to 7.30 am, his OPD ward was open, where people came with their problems. He listened to them patiently and worked diligently to resolve their issues, dedicating his time to public service," Shaina NC added.
(With inputs from IANS)
