Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, condoled demised of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. PM Modi said the news is "very shocking and saddening."
"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." wrote PM Modi in a post on X.
"Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief," PM Modi said.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died after the aircraft carrying him, crashed while landing in Baramati airport on Wednesday morning, January 28. According to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) no person on board has survived the crash.
As per preliminary information from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), there were five people on board the aircraft, alone with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. He was accompanied by a personal security officer and an assistant. The aircraft was operated by two crew members, the pilot and co-pilot.
Ajit Pawar had flew to Baramati from Mumbai, his political stronghold, to campaign for the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections 2026. Four rallies meetings had been scheduled for the day. According to eyewitnesses, the aircraft lost control during landing on the runway and caught fire after hitting the ground. The blaze was so intense that the aircraft was completely destroyed.
The sudden death of a senior and influential leader like Ajit Pawar has sent shockwaves through political circles in Maharashtra. As the news spread, messages of condolence poured in from across the country. Leaders from all political parties, including the Nationalist Congress Party, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident.