Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati had shocked the state, adding that it was the most difficult day for them.
The leader of the Nationalist Congress Party and four others died when the plane carrying him crashed while landing at Baramati airport later that day. Hello, I was 66 years old.
Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Pawar was “a people’s leader” with a strong grassroots connection and praised his administrative understanding and commitment to empowering the poor.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash that occurred in Baramati, Maharashtra. I share the pain of all those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. I pray that the bereaved families find strength and courage in this time of grief,” Prime Minister Modi said.
“Today, the news of the loss of the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and our senior NDA colleague Ajit Pawar ji in a tragic accident has left my heart deeply anguished. The way Ajit Pawar ji dedicated himself to the welfare of every section of the society in Maharashtra over the last 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 demise is a personal event. Loss not only for the NDA family but also for me. I express “My deepest condolences to the Pawar family. In this time of grief, the entire NDA stands firmly with the bereaved Pawar family. May God grant the soul of the deceased a place at his divine feet amit shah in X
Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala also expressed his deepest condolences on the sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar. He said the demise of his old friend Ajit Pawar is a great personal loss.
“I have shared a close bond with Ajit Pawar since my tenure as NSU president. Later, when I became president of All India Youth Congress, I maintained that warm relationship with him and his family. This bond of affection continued even after he became NCP leader. I had the opportunity to interact more closely with him while working as AICC in-charge of Maharashtra. With his demise, a titan of Maratha politics has faded behind the curtain of time. I pray that May his family find the strength to endure this great shock,” Chennithala said in his condolence message.
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Addressing the media, Fadnavis said, “It is an irreparable loss that cannot be described in words. Personally, I have lost a strong and big-hearted friend. In Ajit Pawar, I had a colleague who made an immense contribution to development policy.”
The Maharashtra Chief Minister said that Ajit Pawar was a politician who knew every corner of Maharashtra. “He was well versed in the problems of the State. He was a good administrator with great experience and knowledge.”
Fadnavis said that Ajit Pawar rose through the ranks through hard work and struggle. “He was someone who could face challenges in any circumstance without hesitation. It took him several years to evolve into that leadership. He was deeply connected to the masses,” he added.
“Today, with his sudden demise, everyone in Maharashtra is mourning, especially his party, the NCP. In these difficult times, we stand with them.
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The Maharashtra CM said he informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the news of Ajit Pawar’s death in the plane crash and they “expressed shock and grief”.
He said further arrangements will be made after consulting the Pawar family, the deputy CM added. Eknath Shinde and he will go to Baramati.
The Maharashtra government declared three days of state mourning following the death of Ajit Pawar. As a mark of respect, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the state from January 28 to 30 and no official entertainment will be held during this period. All state government offices will be closed on Wednesday.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the demise of Ajit Pawar was extremely unfortunate and a deeply sad moment. Shinde announced that the government will carry out a detailed investigation into the matter.
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“Our colleague has lost his life. The government will conduct a thorough investigation into the plane crash so that such accidents do not happen again. Ajit Pawar was at the helm of the state. He was straightforward and had a strong grip on the administration. He spoke only after receiving detailed information about the problems and often admitted mistakes. He was kind at heart. I worked with him in the Cabinet; he was Deputy Chief Minister when I was Chief Minister. When schemes like Ladki Bahin were launched, he managed the state’s finances very efficient,” Shinde said.
“Once he made a decision, he carried it out. He said ‘yes’ or ‘no’ very clearly. We worked as a team with the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. He started working early, even at 6 in the morning, meeting with people and officers. He had more experience than me and always emphasized financial discipline and austerity. This is not just a loss for the Pawar family; It is an irreparable loss for Maharashtra. He was like an older brother to me. I feel like I’ve lost an older brother. “There is a mountain of sadness,” Shinde added.
Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray and MP Sanjay Raut expressed deep shock and grief over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and termed his demise as a major loss to the political and social life of the state.
“I have lost a strong leader and an able colleague from my cabinet. When I was Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar served as Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister. He was disciplined, had firm control over his department and deep knowledge of the Finance Ministry. We shared a special working relationship. He was outspoken but never harbored long-term bitterness. Even when he chose a different political path, personal relations were never broken. His demise has created a vacuum in the leadership of Maharashtra. He was truly a ‘Dada’. My heartfelt tribute to him on behalf of myself, the Thackeray family and the Shiv Sena,” said Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray.
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Sena UBT MLA Aaditya Thackeray said, “I had the opportunity to work with Dada for five or six years, first in the government and then for a few days in the opposition. His commanding control of legislative affairs and his caring nature won over many, including me. Even when he was in the opposition, I said this publicly many times. This news is truly shocking. My humble tribute to Ajit Dada and his colleagues who died in the accident.”
Sena UBT RS MP Sanjay Raut declared that it was a dark day and without Ajit Pawar, politics and social work of Maharashtra would be in disarray.
“He was kind-hearted, outspoken and a leader whom the workers deeply admired. His departure has brought a mountain of grief to the state. His words, his style of functioning and his control over the administration will remain etched in the memory of Maharashtra. He had a deep connection with Baramati, and it is a strange coincidence that he died there. When Uddhav Thackeray was Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar always came to the Cabinet fully prepared. His study on irrigation and water issues was sound. Every post he held for the workers and development. Nobody imagined that his political journey would end so prematurely.”
“The sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji in a plane crash today is extremely unfortunate and heartbreaking. His public life has been quite long and impactful. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh pays heartfelt tribute to him and prays to God to grant peace to his soul,” said Dattatreya Hosabale, sarkaryavah of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
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Finance Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule shared in his
He added: “Ajitdada’s personality as a people’s leader who gave direction and impetus to the all-round development of Maharashtra will forever be etched in the memory. His strong control of the administration, his incredible speed in work and his unwavering dedication to public welfare, all these earned him an unshakeable place in the hearts of the people. Ajitdada’s experience in administration was extraordinarily rich. Many times, I myself sought his advice and engaged in candid conversations with him on “While working in the Grand Alliance, I always found his style of open dialogue on numerous topics inspiring. In his company, I personally learned many things.”
“The passing away of Ajitdada is not simply the departure of a leader; it is a colossal calamity that has struck Maharashtra. The nation has lost a visionary leader, and I, one of my dearest elder friends! The realization that Ajitdada is no longer with us still refuses to sink in. My heartfelt tribute to all those who met their end in this accident alongside Ajitdada. May God grant their souls eternal peace. I wholeheartedly share the pain of their families, “loved ones and countless workers,” he said.