New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has strongly condemned Shiv Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut for suggesting that there may have been foul play involved in the tragic plane crash that resulted in the death of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, calling such claims unfounded.

Athawale emphasized that there was no indication of foul play and urged political figures to refrain from exploiting this unfortunate event for political gain.

These comments were made following Raut's insinuations regarding the circumstances of Ajit Pawar's death, as he called for a thorough investigation into the crash. Raut hinted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had threatened the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader with documents related to an irrigation scandal shortly before he expressed interest in merging with the NCP-SP, claiming that Ajit Pawar "mysteriously passed away within 10 days" of these discussions.

Questioning the events surrounding the incident, Raut insisted that inquiries were warranted concerning the death of a senior figure like Ajit Pawar.

"Questions must indeed be raised regarding the accident that claimed Ajit Dada's life; the circumstances in which a prominent leader of Maharashtra, like Ajit Pawar, died in a plane crash demand scrutiny. There seems to be something questionable at play here. These concerns are being voiced by Ajit Dada’s own party. His demise seems suspicious," Raut said, reiterating the need for an investigation.

In response, Athawale stated to IANS that there was no validity to Raut's claims.

"I believe the government did not intimidate Ajit Pawar in any manner. He was a key figure in our leadership and an integral member of our coalition. Whatever transpired, whether it was due to aircraft failure or another cause, is currently under investigation. An inquiry is in progress," he asserted.

Athawale also mentioned that Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had initiated an inquiry into the incident and that the Civil Aviation Ministry was conducting its own investigation as well.

"What Sanjay Raut has raised is merely speculation. He seems to imply that orchestrated actions occurred due to the NCP and the NCP-SP's plans to unite. Such assertions are entirely baseless," Athawale declared.

He further pointed out that NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar had confirmed that no foul play was involved.

"Sharad Pawar himself has stated that there was no conspiracy. Therefore, suggesting that political motives underlie this incident is inappropriate. Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis maintained a cordial relationship. While it is true that they were in conflict during local elections, there was no animosity or jealousy involved. Sanjay Raut's statements lack foundation," Athawale concluded.

Ajit Pawar, aged 66, tragically lost his life on January 28 when the aircraft he was on crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. His personal security officer, a flight attendant, and two pilots also perished in the unfortunate incident.

Previously, NCP leader Amol Mitkari had expressed skepticism regarding the conditions surrounding Ajit Pawar’s death and called for a high-level inquiry. However, Sharad Pawar urged the public to refrain from politicizing this tragedy, reiterating that the plane crash was an accident and calling for compassion in a time of mourning.