Grief and Shock after Indian Politician Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash
Political leaders across India pay tribute after Maharashtra deputy chief minister dies in Baramati crash
- Ajit Pawar and four others were killed in a chartered plane crash at Baramati airport
- Poor visibility was reported at the time as aviation authorities launched an investigation
- The Maharashtra government announced three days of mourning following his death
India’s political leaders have paid tribute to Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, who was killed in a plane crash in western India on Wednesday morning.
Pawar, 66, and four others died when the chartered aircraft they were travelling in crashed at Baramati airport, located in his home constituency. Videos circulating on social media showed wreckage engulfed in thick plumes of smoke as emergency services rushed to the scene.
India’s civil aviation minister said visibility was poor at the airport at the time of the crash, and confirmed that the aviation regulator has launched an investigation into the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Pawar’s death as “shocking and saddening”, praising his years of public service and commitment to the people of Maharashtra. Pawar’s funeral is scheduled to take place on Thursday morning.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the loss “immeasurable” and announced three days of state mourning in his honour.
A key powerbroker in Maharashtra politics, Pawar governed the state in coalition with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Known affectionately as “dada”, meaning elder brother in Marathi, he was widely respected across party lines.
Opposition leader Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena (UBT) said Pawar’s death marked a “dark day” for the state. “Without Dada, the political landscape of Maharashtra is incomplete. His open-hearted nature earned him admiration from party workers and rivals alike,” he said.
Tributes have also poured in from federal Home Minister Amit Shah, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and other senior figures, reflecting Pawar’s influence and stature in Indian politics.
