Maharashtra plunged into mourning following the fatal plane crash that claimed the life of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The veteran politician was traveling from Mumbai to Baramati for a key public event when disaster struck during landing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to react, placing a call to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for a firsthand account of the mishap. In a heartfelt message on X, Modi mourned the loss, emphasizing Pawar’s unwavering commitment to Maharashtra’s progress. ‘A hardworking leader with profound administrative insight and a zeal for uplifting the poor—Ajit Pawar will be deeply missed,’ he wrote, offering prayers for the grieving families.
Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, echoed the sentiments, terming the incident ‘heart-wrenching.’ Recalling Pawar’s three-and-a-half decades of selfless service, Shah noted their frequent deliberations on public welfare. ‘This is a personal blow to me and the entire NDA,’ he stated on X, vowing support to the Pawar family.
Details emerging from the site paint a grim picture: the small aircraft approached Baramati’s airstrip around 9 AM but failed to stabilize, slamming into the ground and erupting in fire. Rescue teams arrived swiftly, but all passengers perished. Officials briefed top leaders on the post-crash scenario, with Shah now heading to Baramati to oversee proceedings.
Pawar’s political journey was marked by resilience and vision. From local governance to state leadership, he championed infrastructure and agricultural reforms, earning respect across party lines. His demise raises questions about succession in the NCP faction he led and the stability of the state government.
As tributes flood in, the focus shifts to forensic analysis of the black box and weather conditions. Aviation experts speculate technical failure or pilot error, pending official confirmation. This tragedy not only silences a prominent voice but also underscores vulnerabilities in short-haul flights critical for politicians.
Maharashtra’s citizens, particularly in Baramati—Pawar’s stronghold—are in disbelief. Memorial events are being planned, while the central government pledges full cooperation in the inquiry. Pawar’s legacy of ground-level connect endures, inspiring future leaders to emulate his service-oriented ethos.