‘Deeply saddened’: Political reactions pour in after Ajit Pawar’s death in Baramati plane crash
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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Ajit Pawar was killed on Wednesday morning after a chartered aircraft crashed while attempting an emergency landing in Baramati, officials said. Two of Pawar’s personal assistants, two pilots, and one NCP worker were also killed in the accident.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said five people have been confirmed dead in the crash. Four others, including the pilots and Pawar's security personnel, have also died in the crash. The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained, and an investigation is underway.
The tragedy triggered an outpouring of grief from political leaders across party lines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over Pawar’s death, describing him as a leader with a “strong grassroots-level connect”.
“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,” the Prime Minister said, offering condolences to Pawar’s family and supporters.
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In a separate message, Modi said he was saddened by the “tragic air crash in Baramati” and extended his thoughts to the families of all those who lost their lives.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was “deeply shocked and pained” by Pawar’s untimely death, recalling his commitment to Maharashtra’s development and his compassion for the people. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers and admirers,” Singh said.
NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) executive president Supriya Sule posted a one-word message — “Devastated” — on her WhatsApp status following the death of her cousin and the NCP chief.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed shock, calling for a proper investigation into the incident. “Deeply shocked and stunned by the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar… The incident needs proper investigation,” she said, extending condolences to Pawar’s family, including his uncle Sharad Pawar.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi termed the accident “shocking, painful and deeply heart-rending”, noting that despite political differences, Pawar was known for his commitment to work and public life.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy described the crash as “very shocking and sad” while Mahindra Group CEO and MD Anish Shah said Pawar’s passing was a great loss to Maharashtra and those who admired his decades of public service. “I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and supporters. My thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible incident. May his soul rest in peace,” Shah said.
Emergency services were rushed to the crash site soon after the incident. Authorities said further details would be released as the investigation progresses.