New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) Following West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's assertion regarding a possible conspiracy tied to the recent plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, members of the BJP and JD(U) expressed their disapproval on Thursday. They accused her of engaging in opportunistic politics during a time of collective mourning, with many labeling her comments as 'politicizing a tragedy.'

While en route to Singur in Hooghly for a government function, Banerjee suggested that Pawar was poised to exit the NDA and was contemplating a return to the opposition INDIA coalition.

She voiced skepticism regarding the impartiality of central investigative bodies and insisted that only a court-supervised inquiry could unearth the truth.

In response, BJP spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain remarked to IANS that the Chief Minister's comments were utterly inappropriate.

“Mamata Banerjee appears to be disregarding the gravity of her remarks at a time of national sorrow. This is deeply regrettable. The crash occurred while landing, and the black box will be scrutinized. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will conduct an investigation. To link such a tragic event to a conspiracy and issue reckless statements is unacceptable,” he stated.

Hussain also reflected on Banerjee's previous role as Union Railway Minister, emphasizing her familiarity with the protocols for accident investigations.

“Is it so hard for Mamata Banerjee to grasp this? In the wake of serious railway accidents, investigations are conducted by the Commission of Railway Safety. She knows this process well. During my tenure as Civil Aviation Minister, we collaborated closely. It is rather odd that she is now attempting to politicize Ajit Pawar’s air crash,” he elaborated.

Meanwhile, O.P. Rajbhar, a minister from Uttar Pradesh, also condemned Banerjee's comments, labeling them as profoundly insensitive.

“This is what is meant by politicizing a tragedy. Regardless of her political differences with Ajit Pawar, what about the other victims? This is her personal view, but the government is fulfilling its responsibilities. While anyone is entitled to their opinion, some decorum should be maintained,” he remarked.

Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, a leader from the JD(U), underscored the significance of the comments made by NCP chief Sharad Pawar.

“Sharad Pawar is not merely Ajit Pawar's uncle; he is like a father figure and protector to him. He has explicitly stated that politics should not intrude upon this tragedy. The timing of Mamata Banerjee’s statements is entirely misplaced and has offended the sentiments of the bereaved family,” he noted.

In a more measured response, Congress MP Imran Masood commented, “There seems to be no indication of negligence, as the aircraft was reportedly in good condition. Accidents can occur, and beyond that, there is little to speculate at this juncture.”