Mumbai: Shock and sorrow swept through India’s political landscape on Wednesday as leaders from across party lines expressed grief over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, who lost his life in a tragic aircraft crash near Baramati.
According to official information, Pawar was travelling on a small charter aircraft from Mumbai to Baramati when the plane met with a catastrophic accident while attempting to land around 8:45 am. The crash resulted in the death of all five people on board, including Pawar, two members of his personal staff, and the flight crew.
Soon after the news broke, condolences poured in on social media platform X, with senior leaders describing the incident as a devastating blow to Maharashtra politics and public life. The tragedy occurred just hours before Pawar was scheduled to address a key public meeting in Baramati in connection with the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections.
Disturbing visuals from the crash site circulated widely online, showing the wreckage of the aircraft reduced to burnt debris scattered across an open field. Emergency responders and police personnel were seen securing the area, while officials confirmed that the intensity of the crash left no chance of survival.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep anguish, remembering Pawar as a leader devoted to the development of Maharashtra and public service. Leaders from southern India also joined in mourning, with Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar calling Pawar’s death an irreplaceable loss and offering condolences to his family and supporters.
Union ministers H D Kumaraswamy, Giriraj Singh, and C R Paatil echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Pawar’s long political journey and influence beyond state politics. Several leaders noted that his passing would significantly alter Maharashtra’s political dynamics.
Congress leaders also reacted with shock, with some stating that the news was deeply distressing and praying for strength for the bereaved family. The tragedy has momentarily united political rivals in shared grief, underlining Pawar’s stature across party boundaries.
