In a narrow escape that has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political circles, state Environment Minister and BJP leader Pankaja Munde’s helicopter developed a critical technical fault just before takeoff. The incident unfolded on Tuesday as Munde prepared to fly from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to Latur for crucial district council election campaigning.
Pilots spotted the malfunction during pre-flight checks, preventing what could have been a catastrophic accident. Munde was forced to cancel her aerial journey, opting instead for ground travel, which disrupted her packed schedule of public meetings in Latur.
Details of the exact technical issue remain under wraps, with authorities yet to release an official statement. This comes amid heightened scrutiny on aviation safety in the region, especially following last week’s tragic plane crash that claimed the life of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Pawar’s aircraft plummeted during landing at Baramati, killing him and four others en route to election rallies. His funeral drew massive crowds, and his wife Sunetra Pawar has since been elevated to the Deputy CM position, taking charge of key portfolios including excise, sports, and minority development.
Munde, undeterred, has been relentlessly campaigning for BJP candidates. On Monday, she addressed rallies in Bajajnagar, urging voters in multiple district council groups to support her party’s nominees. The fault has prompted a reshuffle of her itinerary, but her commitment to the polls remains unshaken.
As investigations into the helicopter incident begin, questions swirl about maintenance protocols and the safety of political air travel in Maharashtra. With district council elections looming, such scares underscore the high stakes and risks involved in the frenzied campaign season.