‘A leader of the people’: From PM Modi to Rahul Gandhi- leaders across parties mourn Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s death

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar at the age of 66, has died in a tragic plane crash in Baramati, on Wednesday morning. The accident happened while he was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati. Four others on board, including the pilots and Pawar’s security personnel, were also killed, NDTV reported. India Today reported that the chartered plane was attempting an emergency landing at Baramati airport.

Political leaders across party lines have expressed shock and grief, following the tragic death of Ajit Pawar.

Prime Minister expresses grief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss, calling the incident deeply saddening, describing Pawar as “a leader of the people” with a strong connection to grassroots life.

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In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “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.”

Union ministers remember Pawar’s public life

Union Home Minister Amit Shah described Pawar’s death as a personal loss and a major blow to the NDA family. Taking to X, Shah wrote, “Today, the news of the loss of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and our senior NDA colleague Ajit Pawar ji in a tragic accident has left my heart deeply distressed.”

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“The way Ajit Pawar ji dedicated himself to the welfare of every section of society in Maharashtra over the past three and a half decades cannot be expressed in words. Whenever we met, he would engage in long discussions on numerous issues related to the welfare of the people of Maharashtra. His passing is a personal loss not only for the NDA family but also for me.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was deeply shocked by the news. He wrote, “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.”

CM Mamata Banerjee expresses grief, calls for proper investigation

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said she was deeply shocked by the tragedy. Taking to X, she wrote, “Deeply shocked and stunned by the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family including his uncle Sharad Pawar ji, and late Ajitji's all friends and followers. The incident needs proper investigation.”

Trinamool's All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee said he was profoundly shocked and saddened by the tragic and untimely demise of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. He wrote, "I am profoundly shocked and saddened by the tragic and untimely demise of Shri Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in the devastating plane crash at Baramati. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, colleagues and associates, as well as to the families of all those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. May they find strength, courage and peace during this moment of deep sorrow."

Opposition and regional leaders join condolences

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the news heartbreaking. “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. 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.”

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Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar called Pawar’s sudden demise a great loss to public life. In an X post, he wrote, “Shocked and deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Maharashtra Deputy CM Shri Ajit Pawar in a tragic plane crash. His sudden demise is a great loss to public life and to Maharashtra politics, where he served with experience and resolve. My heartfelt condolences to his family and supporters, and prayers for strength in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”

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Reportedly, Kiran Gujar, a close aide of Ajit Pawar who has been taken to the local hospital, stated that all six individuals, including Ajit Pawar, were already dead upon arrival at the hospital. The incident occurred while Ajit Pawar was travelling to Baramati in preparation for four scheduled speeches related to the Zilla Parishad (ZP) elections.