'Maharashtra's Eternal Guardian!'; Netizens mourn as Ajit Pawar dies in Baramati plane crash

Social media platforms were overwhelmed with shock and grief on Wednesday after news broke that Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, had died in a plane crash in Baramati.

Within minutes of initial reports surfacing, users across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and WhatsApp began sharing condolences, memories and tributes, describing the loss as sudden and deeply unsettling. Hashtags such as #AjitPawar, #BaramatiPlaneCrash and #RIPAjitPawar trended through the morning as reactions poured in from political leaders, party workers and members of the public.

Many users expressed disbelief, calling the incident very “hard to process,” while others posted old photographs and videos from Pawar’s long political career, particularly his association with Baramati.

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One of X used said, "Maharashtra has lost an excellent leader today with his departure." while another user mourned his demise saying "RIP Ajit Dada Pawar – Maharashtra's Eternal Guardian!"

Tributes pour in across party lines

Several posts have described Pawar as an influential leader who shaped Maharashtra’s politics for decades. Messages recalling his administrative style, grassroots connect and role in regional development were widely shared.

One user wrote that Pawar’s death was “not just a political loss but a deeply personal one for countless people across the state,” while another said the news felt “very unfortunate & shocking.” Even those who acknowledged political differences with him expressed respect and condolences, underlining the scale of the loss.

Short video clips from campaign events and screenshots of Pawar’s recent public appearances were widely circulated, amplifying the emotional response online. Videos from near the crash site were also shared, though many users appealed for restraint and sensitivity.

Condolences for family dominate posts

A large number of messages focused on Pawar’s family, offering prayers and condolences to his wife Sunetra Pawar and his sons. Several users called for privacy and dignity for the family amid the flood of online reactions.

Political commentators noted that the intensity of the response reflected Pawar’s enduring presence in Maharashtra’s public life, particularly in western districts where he remained a dominant figure.

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Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday morning after the Learjet aircraft he was travelling in crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport. Aviation authorities have said all those on board were killed, and an investigation into the crash is underway.