Mumbai: The conflict between the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the NCP (Ajit Pawar Group) – both allies of the Mahayuti Government in Maharashtra – has reached an extreme level. Senior Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam on Monday made explosive allegations by attempting to link state NCP president Sunil Tatkare to the fatal plane crash in January 2026 that claimed the life of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Kadam has demanded an investigation into Tatkare’s alleged role in Ajit Pawar’s death.
Kadam alleged that Tatkare had a history of betraying his political mentors, claiming that he had undermined former Chief Minister A.R. Antulay in the past.
“He (Tatkare) used to be Antulay Saheb’s PA, but, in fact, it was he who brought about Antulay Saheb’s downfall. Whoever gets close to Tatkare ends up being destroyed by him,” he said.
Kadam also claimed that Tatkare harboured ambitions of succeeding Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister. “I hear that he himself aspired to become the Deputy Chief Minister. Could he, then, have had a hand in the sabotage against Ajit Dada? This angle should be investigated. He harbours monstrous ambitions … he is capable of doing anything to achieve them,” he added.
However, Tatkare strongly denied Kadam’s claims, calling them baseless and malicious, and a product of a deteriorated mental state. He also threatened to issue a legal notice to Kadam.
“The allegations made against me by Ramdas Kadam are false. His mental state is not sound, and he should seek treatment in Agra rather than in Thane,” he said.
NCP spokesperson Umesh Patil responded to Kadam’s statements by asking him to present evidence regarding the plane crash. “If Ramdas Kadam has any evidence regarding the plane crash mishap, he should present it. Making allegations without evidence is not appropriate,” he said.
Ajit Pawar died on January 28 when a VSR Ventures Learjet 45XR aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport in Pune district. The mishap has been mired in controversy, with his cousin and NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar claiming that the crash was a deliberate act of sabotage rather than a simple accident.
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