Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Sunetra Pawar on Tuesday expressed doubts about the January air crash that killed her husband Ajit Pawar during a campaign rally in Baramati. She said everyone needs answers about the tragic incident, and those at fault should face the strictest punishment. The Baramati bypoll is set for April 23.
At her concluding campaign rally in Baramati on Tuesday, Sunetra Pawar for the first time addressed doubts surrounding the aircraft accident that killed her husband Ajit Pawar on January 28. "Many people have questions about the accident, and so do I," she said, adding that she had raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Referring to assurances by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the assembly, Sunetra said both state and central governments are cooperating in the investigation. She insisted that those responsible must face strict punishment. The bypoll for the Baramati assembly seat, held by the Pawar family since 1967, follows Ajit Pawar's death. Sunetra faces 22 independents, with no major party fielding a candidate against her.
Visibly emotional, Sunetra said campaigning without her husband felt difficult. "I stand here not just as a candidate, but to preserve the lifelong bond we share with Baramati," she added. The rally saw support from family members including Supriya Sule, amid a recent reconciliation within the Pawar family.
