Mumbai: President Droupadi Murmu said that Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s untimely death is an irreparable loss.
In a post on X, she said Pawar will always be remembered for his special contribution to the development of Maharashtra, especially in the cooperative sector.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were among the first senior leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to condole the passing away of the NCP leader, who was part of the ruling NDA in Maharashtra.
“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,” the PM said in a post on X.
Calling him “a leader of the people” with a strong grassroots-level connection, Modi added that Pawar was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra.
West Bengal Chief Minister and All India Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, while expressing her condolences, called for “proper investigation” of the crash.
“Deeply shocked and stunned by the sudden 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,” Banerjee said.
“My condolences to his family, including his uncle Sharad Pawar ji, and late Ajitji’s all friends and followers. The incident needs proper investigation,” she added.It is with shock and deep sadness that Jammu & Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinhas has also condoled the death of Ajit Pawar.
The last rites of Pawar will be held with full state honours on Thursday in Baramati, Pune district. Modi and Amit Shah are expected to attend the funeral, which will be held at Vidya Pratishthan ground at 11 am. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has declared a public holiday on Wednesday and announced a three-day period of state mourning.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced three days of state mourning.
Calling it an “irreparable loss” for the state, Fadnavis said a wave of sorrow has swept across Maharashtra. He described Pawar as a hardworking leader who made significant contributions to the state’s development.
“This is a very difficult day for Maharashtra and for me personally. I have lost a close friend,” Fadnavis told reporters, adding that he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also conveyed his condolences. The chief minister said he would travel to Baramati along with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The crash occurred when a chartered aircraft carrying Pawar, 66, and four others attempted to land in the Baramati area on Wednesday morning. All five onboard were killed, officials said.
The Lok Sabha also mourned Pawar’s demise, while leaders across party lines paid tribute.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde termed the incident a “black day” for Maharashtra and said an investigation would be conducted to prevent such tragedies in the future. Remembering Pawar as a disciplined, fearless and decisive leader, Shinde said they had worked closely as a team for the state’s progress.
Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat said he was deeply grieved by Pawar’s untimely death and offered condolences to the Pawar family and supporters.
GoI Minister Nitin Gadkari called the loss shocking and irreplaceable, praising Pawar’s administrative skills and connection with the people.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said he had lost a steadfast leader and a valued former Cabinet colleague, recalling Pawar’s strong grip on finance and governance.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut described the day as a moment of deep sorrow for Maharashtra, highlighting Pawar’s preparedness and command over key state issues.
Congress leaders Harshwardhan Sapkal and Nana Patole said Pawar’s passing had created a void in state politics, while Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray termed the news shocking and heartbreaking.
Several other leaders, including Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, also expressed condolences.
