A plane carrying NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Minister Ajit Pawar crashed on Wednesday morning at the time of landing at Baramati airport in Maharashtra. Pawar, along with four others, lost their lives in the fatal crash.
The pilots and Pawar’s security personnel also died in the crash. The visuals from the crash show flames and smoke coming out of the plane.
Ajit Pawar was travelling to Baramati ahead of his schedule to attempt four public meetings when the Learjet 45, which was chartered from Mumbai, crashed. The death of Pawar was confirmed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation after the plane crash. The Learjet 45 business jet was operated by VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd. and registered as VT-SSK.
“Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots-level connection. 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,” Prime Minister Modi said.
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu said, “… Just a few days ago, Supriya Sule had invited some families for Sharad Pawar’s birthday. I got the opportunity to talk to him during that time… Every person I have spoken to today had tears in their eyes…”
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and his supporters. I have spoken to Ajit Pawar’s wife and Supriya ji (Supriya Sule).”
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “Ajit Pawar’s death is unfortunate. He was my close friend in politics, and we also had familial relations. His passing away is a huge loss. On behalf of the party, I pay my tributes to him.”
Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, “… We are in pain and grief… He was my close friend and held an important position in our government. He was a great leader of Maharashtra and is no longer with us. My deepest sympathy goes to all his family members and followers. I pray to God to give strength to his family members to cope with this difficult time…”
| Dehradun: During the Cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat under the chairmanship of Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Cabinet observed a two-minute silence to pay tribute to Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, along with 2 more personnel (1 PSO and 1 attendant).
State Minister AK Saseendran said, “He was a brother to me… Every time we met, he showed me a brotherly affection… It is deeply regretted. I pray for his family and followers to recover from this situation very soon.”
, BJP Leader Ram Kadam said, “… A very sad incident took place this morning. A great leader of Maharashtra politics, Ajit Pawar, is no longer with us. Being a four-time MLA, I happened to know him closely. He was a straightforward leader, and people loved him for that… It is a difficult time for his family, party workers, and loved ones. May God give them strength in these tough times…”
Union Minister Giriraj Singh said, “This is a really unfortunate incident… Reports are coming in that Ajit Pawar was also onboard. If it is true, then this is a highly unfortunate day. This is a heartrending incident. May God give strength to the affected families. He was not just the Deputy CM of Maharashtra but also a well-known politician in the country. This is an irreparable loss.”
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s Demise: RLM President Upendra Kushwaha said, “… It is a sad incident that has taken place. Nothing can be more saddening than this. He was a great leader. His sudden demise is an irreparable loss not only for Maharashtra politics but also for the whole country…”
Union Minister Chirag Paswan said, “We still cannot believe that this has happened. It is unbelievable. The way this information came to us this morning, that such an incident may have occurred and that a plane crash happened near Baramati, it is still hard to accept even now. Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar was counted among not only Maharashtra’s but also the country’s major leaders. His thinking of staying connected to the grassroots and his approach of always standing with the people established his identity as a leader of great stature and as someone committed to the welfare of the poor. Today, when he is no longer among us, on my behalf and on behalf of my party, I pay him heartfelt tribute and pray that his family finds the strength to cope in this moment of grief.”
“A constructive politician… We have lost an invaluable life who served the country,” says Karnataka Minister HK Patil on Ajit Pawar.
Congress leader and former CM Sushil Kumar Shinde says, “I learned of this tragic incident this morning… A colleague who worked with us and stayed with us for nearly 20 years. When I was the chief minister, he also worked in my Council of Ministers. He was known as a very gentle, affable, and helpful worker who assisted everyone… In Maharashtra’s political life, he made a name for himself… Whatever work he was given, he did it wholeheartedly, thoughtfully, and with complete depth. Especially, the work he did for the poor, farmers, and cooperatives cannot be forgotten… This is a great loss that cannot be compensated. I express my condolences.”
Dy CM Ajit Pawar, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde says, “This is a very sad incident in Maharashtra politics. I have known him for many years. He was called ‘Dada’ because he had a commanding nature and always kept his word. It is a great loss to us.”
Odisha Deputy CM, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, said, “… I pay my condolences to his family and to the people of Baramati… He held the position of Deputy CM of Maharashtra several times. He was a loved and respected leader of Maharashtra. His plane crashed just minutes before landing in Baramati. I pray to Lord Jagannath to give strength to his family and the people of Maharashtra to bear this irreparable loss…”
