Ajit Pawar
Credit: PTI File Photo
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Pune's Baramati while he was on his way to attend meetings ahead of the panchayat samiti and zilla parishad elections.
Fondly known as 'dada', Ajit Pawar, 66, was a one-time MP and eight-time MLA from Baramati. He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and sons Parth and Jay.
Maharashtra government announced a three-day mourning in view of the leader's death. All State government functions and events remain cancelled during the period.
Ajit's uncle NCP(SP)'s Sharad Pawar, his cousin and Baramati MP Supriya Sule, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are all headed to Baramati.
Fadnavis called the incident "unbelievable and shocking". Shinde fondly remembered Ajit as a brother and said he made a major contribution to Maharashtra politics in four decades and had tremendous control over administration.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said he never thought he would have to condole the death of the Deputy Chief Minister.
An irreplaceable loss: Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu termed the NCP president's death "an irreplaceable loss".
"The news of the death of several people, including Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is extremely tragic. The untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji is an irreplaceable loss. He will always be remembered for his special contribution to the development of Maharashtra, especially in the cooperative sector," a statement from the President's office said.
Murmu extended her condolences to his family, friends, and supporters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his condolences. "Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief."
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi took to his X handle to express grief over the accident. "The news of the demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and his fellow travelers in an airplane accident today is extremely heartbreaking," he said in a post.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while conveying her condolences also called for an investigation into the plane crash.
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar offered his condolences and called Ajit Pawar's demise "a great loss to Maharashtra politics."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a post on X said, "Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar. Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion for the people and his unwavering dedication to public service. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers."
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Ajit Pawar's "contribution to the public life and development of Maharashtra will be remembered."