Ajit Pawar, a prominent Indian politician and the nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar, passed away in a tragic plane crash near Baramati airport. The crash, which occurred just before the runway, resulted in the deaths of Ajit Pawar and four others, including his security officer, a flight attendant, and two crew members. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with officials and eyewitnesses reporting a charred body among the mangled remains of the aircraft. The Indian aviation regulator confirmed the aircraft involved was a Bombardier Learjet 45, a small business jet commonly used for charter flights and VIP travel in India.
The impact of Ajit Pawar's death has been profound, with his home state of Maharashtra declaring three days of official mourning. Flags across the state will fly at half-mast, and government offices and schools will remain closed. This decision reflects the state's recognition of his long service and influence in Maharashtra's politics. The political landscape of Maharashtra is incomplete without Ajit Pawar, according to Sanjay Raut, a prominent politician from the state's opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) party. Raut described Pawar as the 'backbone' of the state, highlighting his open-hearted personality and the admiration he received from every party worker.
The news of Ajit Pawar's death has elicited a wave of tributes from across the political spectrum in India. Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his sorrow, emphasizing Pawar's dedication to the welfare of every section of society in Maharashtra. Opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi described his death as 'extremely heartbreaking', while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis conveyed his deep emotions, calling Pawar a 'strong and generous friend'.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sadness, offering his thoughts and prayers to the bereaved families. The crash site, visible in the form of a plane engulfed in plumes of smoke and flames, serves as a stark reminder of the tragedy that unfolded. Ajit Pawar's political career spanned decades, during which he served as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra several times, showcasing his significant influence in the state's political arena.
