Technical Snag Grounds Pankaja Munde’s Helicopter
Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat questioned the maintenance practices of helicopter service providers, alleging that excessive usage had led to a rise in accidents
Mumbai: Still fresh in public memory after NCP leader Ajit Pawar’s fatal plane crash in Baramati last month, concerns over aviation safety resurfaced on Tuesday after Maharashtra minister Pankaja Munde’s helicopter developed a technical snag hours before take-off from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Ms. Munde, who had arrived in the city on Monday, was to depart from Chikkalthana Airport by helicopter for election rallies in Latur, Dharashiv and Solapur districts. Officials said the snag was detected late on Monday night during a routine inspection, hours before the BJP leader was scheduled to fly to Latur. The aviation company immediately informed the airport authorities after identifying technical issues in the chopper.
Ms. Munde had reached Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on a chartered aircraft on Monday and later used the helicopter for campaigning. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, she said she was scheduled to take off at 10.30 a.m. but was informed about the technical problem. “I do not have detailed information about the issue. Another helicopter is being arranged,” she said.
This comes days after Ajit Pawar's airplane crashed at Baramati on January 28. Pawar and four others on board, including pilot Sumit Kapur, co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, Pawar's personal security officer Vidip Jadhav, and flight attendant Pinky Mali, were killed on the spot.
Referring to the fatal plane crash involving Ajit Pawar, Ms. Munde said air travel had caused widespread unease among political leaders and the public. “People have been deeply shaken since Ajit Pawar’s tragic accident. Even party workers keep suggesting that I avoid helicopters and aircraft, but there is no alternative if I have to cover many places,” she said, adding that her family remains anxious about her travel.
Ms. Munde said the campaign would not be cancelled, though two rallies had to be dropped due to the delay and distance involved.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat questioned the maintenance practices of helicopter service providers, alleging that excessive usage had led to a rise in accidents. He said helicopters should be cleared for operations only after thorough checks. “It is not appropriate to play with anyone’s life,” Mr. Shirsat said.
Ms. Munde has been campaigning extensively for the February 7 Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections across the Marathwada region.
