Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party Chief Ajit Pawar, 66, died after his aircraft crashed at 8:45 am on Wednesday while attempting to land at the Baramati airport, according to PTI. Three others on board are also confirmed dead, according to the report.
Pawar was headed to Baramati to attend a public rally for the Zilla Parishad Elections.
Condoling Pawar’s demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”
“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,” he said.
In an X post on Wednesday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh 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.”
Commenting on the tragic death, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “The news of the demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and his fellow travellers in an airplane accident today is extremely heartbreaking. In this moment of grief, I stand with the people of Maharashtra. I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and their loved ones during this hour of sorrow.”
In an X post, Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, “It is an untimely loss of a leader who had a long and promising political career ahead. No words can adequately express the immense grief that the bereaved family must be enduring during this difficult hour. I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Pawar family, his supporters and well-wishers.” Born on July 22, 1959, in Ahmednagar, Pawar’s leadership journey began through institutions such as milk unions, cooperative societies, sugar factories, and banks. In 1991, his career shifted towards active politics.
Since then, he held several key positions, including Member of Parliament (MP), Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Minister of State for various important government departments, and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Pawar, famed for his punctuality in Maharashtra’s political sphere, is considered the architect of Nava Maharashtra.
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