Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday criticised the Congress for withdrawing its candidate from the Baramati assembly bypoll, arguing that the opposition missed an opportunity to push for a formal investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of Ajit Pawar, reported PTI.
The bye-election was necessitated following Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash earlier this year. The polling is scheduled for April 23, with over 20 candidates still in the fray.
Raut questions timing of Congress withdrawal
Reacting to the Congress decision to withdraw its candidate Akash More, Raut said the move came at a crucial moment when opposition parties could have exerted pressure on the government, reported PTI.
He suggested that the withdrawal could have been used as leverage to demand the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) into the crash, which also claimed the lives of four others. According to Raut, the opposition had a clear chance to “unmask” the ruling party by insisting on accountability, reported PTI.
FIR demand remains central to opposition stance
Opposition parties in Maharashtra have been consistently demanding that an FIR be registered in connection with the Baramati plane crash. Raut reiterated that such a step is essential to initiate a thorough probe into the incident and determine responsibility.
He alleged that the government has shown little urgency in pursuing legal action against the aviation company involved, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the investigation process.
Calls directed at Pawar family as well
Raut also stated that the demand for an FIR should have been strongly raised by Sunetra Pawar, who is contesting the bypoll, as well as by family members including Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, reported PTI.
He questioned why those directly affected by the tragedy had not taken a more assertive stand on the issue.
Political outreach preceded Congress decision
Earlier in the day, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar met Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal, urging him to ensure the withdrawal of the party’s candidate from the Baramati contest.
The Congress had previously indicated that it would consider stepping out of the race only if an FIR was registered in the crash case. However, the party eventually withdrew without that condition being fulfilled.
Raut targets Election Commission over TMC row
Separately, Raut also criticised the Election Commission of India over its reported exchange with a delegation from the All India Trinamool Congress, reported PTI.
Referring to allegations that the Chief Election Commissioner had an altercation with TMC leaders during a meeting, Raut described the development as an “assault on democracy.” He accused the poll body of bias, claiming its conduct raised serious questions about its independence, reported PTI.
Bypoll remains politically significant
The Baramati seat, represented eight times by Ajit Pawar, remains politically significant in Maharashtra. With the Congress opting out and opposition unity under scrutiny, the bypoll has taken on added importance, not just as an electoral contest but as a reflection of broader political dynamics in the state.
As campaigning intensifies, the focus is likely to remain on both the electoral outcome and the unresolved questions surrounding the plane crash investigation.
(With inputs from PTI)
