PM modi with Ajit Pawar
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences after Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on Wednesday in Pune district’s Baramati during landing.He said, “Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. 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 also condoled the deaths of others who were on board along with Pawar. President Droupadi Murmu also gave her condolences. She said, “The news of the deaths of several people, including Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, in an aeroplane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is utterly heartbreaking. The untimely demise of Shri Ajit Pawar is an irreplaceable loss. He will always be remembered for his special contribution to Maharashtra’s development, particularly in the cooperative sector.”Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis condoled the death of his deputy in a press conference. “This morning, a very tragic incident occurred. In extremely unforeseen circumstances, the news of the unfortunate demise of our state’s deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar, in an aircraft accident reached everyone, spreading a wave of grief across Maharashtra. For Maharashtra, today is an extremely difficult day,” he said.Further talking about his friendship with Pawar, he added, “Such leadership takes many years to develop, and at a time when he was making very significant contributions to the state’s development, his passing is both unbelievable and shocking. Personally, I have lost a strong and generous friend. This is also an enormous loss for his family.”Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi also condoled the deaths saying, “The news of the demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and his fellow travellers in an aeroplane accident today is extremely heart-rending. In this hour of grief, I stand with the people of Maharashtra. I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and their dear ones in this time of sorrow.Defence minister Rajnath Singh expressed his “pain” on X saying, “Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar.” “Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion for the people and his unwavering dedication to public service. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers,” he added.Union minister Nitin Gadkari, expressing condolences said, “The news of the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji is extremely shocking, unfortunate, and heartbreaking. My heartfelt tribute to him. Over the past many years, while working together in the state legislature, I have shared a very close bond with Ajit dada. His administrative acumen, developmental vision, and ability to connect with people have ensured that Ajit dada’s place in Maharashtra’s politics remains unshakable. The premature passing of this people’s leader, who harboured aspirations for Maharashtra’s development, is a loss that cannot be compensated—not just for Maharashtra, but for the entire nation. At this sorrowful moment, my condolences are with the entire Pawar family. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti.”Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also shared her condolences saying, “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).”Commerce minister Piyush Goyal said, “We all are mournful today. He was a close friend and a tall leader in Maharashtra.”Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Shri Ajit Pawar in the plane crash in Baramati earlier today. My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this loss. May his contributions to public life be remembered, and may the bereaved find strength in this difficult time.”
Messages of condolence from across the country
Many political leaders from various parts of country expressed their shock and offered condolences after the Maharashtra deputy CM’s demise.
- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also mourned the loss. “The news of the tragic demise of Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash, is deeply shocking and profoundly distressing. It is an untimely loss of a leader who had a long and promising political career ahead,” he said.
- West Bengal chief minister also expressed her shock on social media, sharing her statement. “Deeply shocked and stunned by the suddden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family including his uncle Sharad Pawar ji, and late Ajitji’s all friends and followers. The incident needs proper investigation.”
- BSP chief Mayawati said, “The death today of Shri Ajit Pawar ji, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and one of the stalwart leaders of Maharashtra politics, in an aeroplane crash in Baramati is most heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to his family and the members of his party. May nature grant them all the strength to bear this sorrow.”
- Andhra Pradesh CM, NDA ally N Chandrababu Naidu also issued a statement on social media. He said, “Shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji in a plane crash this morning. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and followers. Om Shanthi.”
- “The tragic plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, which claimed the lives of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji and other members, is extremely heartbreaking and soul-wrenching. My humble tribute to them. My condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray to Lord Shri Ram that he grants eternal peace to the departed souls and strength to the grieving families to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti,” said Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath.
- Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, called it “a black day” for the state. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Raut said, “Today is a black day for Maharashtra. When I heard the news that the plane with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on board had crashed, I was hoping that he would come out alright. But then I received the painful news. His demise has brought a mountain of sorrow to Maharashtra. His way of speaking and working and holding over administration.” He added, “He had a relationship with Baramati. He was also a minister in Uddhav Thackeray’s cabinet. He was known as a minister who came to the cabinet fully prepared. He had a deep study of important issues of the state, like irrigation and water. On behalf of Shiv Sena (UBT), Uddhav Thackeray expresses condolences and pays tribute.”
- “It is very sad that this incident has occurred… This is an extremely painful moment for the Pawar family. At this time, I can only pray to God that He gives them the strength to endure this sorrow,” said SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.
- Also offering his condolences, Aditya Thackeray said, “Ajit dada’s news is truly shocking! Words fail me. I had the privilege of working with dada for 5–6 years… first in government and then for a few days in the opposition. His commanding grip on legislative affairs and his affable nature endeared him to many of us. Even when I was in the opposition, I had publicly said this many times. Today’s news is genuinely shocking. My humble tribute to Ajit dada and his colleagues who perished in the accident.”
Pawar, along with 4 others on board, died on Wednesday after the plane crashed at around 8.45 am.
