The political dispute surrounding the investigation into former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s fatal plane crash intensified on Friday, with NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar targeting the ruling MahaYuti government and 40 MLAs from the rival NCP faction. Rohit Pawar questioned their ability to secure a formal investigation despite their reported attempts to seek a probe from the government they are part of.

Rohit Pawar highlighted that 40 MLAs from Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction had sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the crash and had also sent a reminder to the government. He questioned why the demand had not resulted in action despite being raised by members of the ruling coalition. He argued that the situation raised questions about the political influence of the faction within the MahaYuti government.

Taking aim at the MLAs, Rohit Pawar questioned their decision to remain in power despite what he described as the government’s failure to act on their demand. He linked the issue to the question of political self-respect and maintained that those dissatisfied with the government’s handling of the matter should reconsider their position. His remarks added another layer to the ongoing differences between the two NCP factions.

Also Read: Rohit Pawar Questions CID Probe Into Ajit Pawar Crash, Seeks CBI Investigation

The latest remarks came a day after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Sunetra Pawar responded to concerns raised by NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule over the absence of a formal First Information Report in the crash case. Sunetra Pawar urged that the tragedy should not be politicised and maintained that the Pawar family and NCP-SP had full faith in the investigating agencies.

Supriya Sule had earlier criticised the state government over what she described as official apathy, comparing the lack of progress in registering an FIR in Ajit Pawar’s crash case with the swift action taken in other politically sensitive matters. Rohit Pawar also maintained that his demand for a detailed inquiry was driven by his relationship with Ajit Pawar as well as concerns in the wider public interest.

Rohit Pawar further alleged that attempts to register a case at three different locations in Maharashtra had not received attention. He also indicated that he had postponed a scheduled press conference on additional evidence because he was receiving further information. The developments point to continuing political friction between the rival Pawar factions over the handling of the investigation.

Also Read: Rohit Pawar Questions CID Probe Into Ajit Pawar Crash, Seeks CBI Investigation