21 April,2026 06:56 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar addresses a rally ahead of the Baramati bypoll, on Tuesday. PIC/X
For the first time, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Sunetra Pawar on Tuesday spoke about the plane crash that claimed her husband Ajit Pawar's life, saying that like many others, she too has doubts about the incident, as she called for a thorough investigation and strict punishment for those responsible.
In her public address on the final day of campaigning for the Baramati Assembly Constituency bypoll, Sunetra Pawar emphasised the need for justice.
"Both the state and Central governments are extending full support. But, the culprits should be punished," she said.
Immediately responding to the demand made by the Mahayuti candidate, CM Devendra Fadnavis from the same dais assured that the government will not sit quietly until the truth comes to light.
Ajit Pawar's nephew and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) legislator Rohit Pawar has been pursuing the Maharashtra government to file a first information report (FIR) in the plane crash case and has raised several doubts over the incident. However, as Maharashtra has not filed an FIR, Rohit Pawar went to Karnataka and got a zero FIR registered in the January 28 plane crash case, which Fadnavis termed an illegal move.
Further addressing the public meeting, Sunetra Pawar announced plans to set up a museum dedicated to Ajit Pawar's life and political journey, aimed at inspiring future generations.
Fadnavis, too, strongly backed the Deputy CM, asserting that she has the ability and determination to carry forward Ajit Pawar's legacy and urging voters to ensure her a record victory on April 23 as a tribute to the late leader.
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar's cousin and NCP (SP) Member of Parliament (MP) Supriya Sule also attended the campaign in Baramati. In her speech, she stated that Baramati has always stood behind the Pawar clan, and urged voters to follow the tradition as Sunetra Pawar is contesting the by-election.
"Our equation is beyond politics. Hence, people should stand by Sunetra Pawar to fulfil the dreams of Ajit Dada," Sule added.
Ajit Pawar, then a deputy CM of Maharashtra, was killed in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28.
The by-elections in the state were necessitated following the deaths of Ajit Pawar, who represented Baramati, and Shivajirao Kardile, the sitting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Rahuri in Ahilyanagar district. According to the schedule announced by the Election Commission, voting for both the constituencies will be held on Thursday, April 23, while the counting of votes will take place on May 4.
