Maharashtra: political landscape was left in shock on Wednesday following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a tragic charter aircraft crash near Baramati. The news sent waves of grief across party lines, with leaders recalling Pawar as a seasoned administrator and a central figure in the state’s governance for decades.
Aircraft Crash During Landing Attempt
The incident occurred after a small charter plane carrying Pawar departed from Mumbai at around 8 am. Approximately 45 minutes later, while attempting to land near Baramati airport, the aircraft crashed. Pawar was traveling to the region to attend a public rally connected to the Zilla Parishad elections. Authorities confirmed that he did not survive the accident, prompting immediate responses from political leaders and officials across the country.
Sanjay Raut Calls It a Dark Day
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut described the loss as a devastating moment for Maharashtra. Speaking at a press briefing in Mumbai, Raut said the state had lost a leader who combined political experience with a firm command over administration. He noted that Pawar was widely respected for arriving at cabinet meetings fully prepared, often with detailed knowledge of complex policy matters.
Raut recalled Pawar’s deep association with Baramati and his tenure in multiple governments, including the cabinet led by Uddhav Thackeray. On behalf of the Shiv Sena (UBT), Raut conveyed condolences and paid tribute to Pawar’s long public service.
Final Journey Linked to Public Duties
Just a day earlier, Pawar had been in Mumbai attending a meeting of the Maharashtra Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Several senior ministers, including Chandrashekhar Bawankule, were present. Colleagues said Pawar remained actively involved in government work until his final hours, reflecting his reputation as a hands-on leader.
Emotional Reactions From Party Colleagues
The tragedy prompted emotional responses from fellow Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs. Arvind Sawant expressed deep sorrow, saying the news had shaken everyone who worked closely with Pawar. He credited Pawar with playing a major role in the development of the Baramati region and described him as a decisive and bold political figure.
Priyanka Chaturvedi also shared her grief, acknowledging that while political differences existed, Pawar was known for his commitment to work and public responsibilities. She extended sympathies to the Pawar family and to the people of Baramati, many of whom regarded him as a central force in regional development.
A Political Legacy Spanning Decades
Ajit Pawar, 66, was one of Maharashtra’s most prominent political figures and the longest-serving deputy chief minister of the state, though not consecutively. Over the years, he held the post six times under different administrations, including those led by Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde. His repeated returns to the role underscored his influence and adaptability within the state’s shifting political alliances.
He was the nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party, and the cousin of Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule. His death comes at a time when many Members of Parliament were gathered in New Delhi for the opening of the Budget Session, amplifying the sense of collective loss within political circles.
Family and State in Mourning
Pawar is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, and their sons, Jay and Parth Pawar. Messages of condolence have continued to pour in from leaders across parties, highlighting his administrative acumen and long-standing public service. As Maharashtra mourns, tributes reflect a shared recognition of a leader whose career left a lasting imprint on the state’s governance.
