In a shocking tragedy that has gripped the nation, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a towering figure in state politics, perished along with five others in a devastating plane crash on Wednesday. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the fatalities, sending ripples of grief across political circles.
The incident occurred as Pawar was en route to Baramati for a series of rallies ahead of local body elections. Eyewitness accounts describe a horrifying scene at the crash site, with emergency responders battling to recover remains amid the wreckage.
Tributes poured in swiftly from opposition leaders. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her deepest condolences to the Pawar family and supporters, revealing she had spoken directly with Ajit Pawar’s wife and Supriya Sule. ‘My heart goes out to the entire Pawar family during this unimaginable loss,’ she stated solemnly.
Fellow Congress MP Pramod Tiwari, while awaiting official verification, urged divine intervention. ‘Channels are reporting this heartbreaking news, but let’s pray for a miracle,’ he said, reflecting the disbelief rippling through the ranks.
Vivek Tankha, another Congress parliamentarian with longstanding ties to the Pawar family, was stunned upon hearing the reports. ‘Ajit Pawar was a great leader; our prayers are with him and his loved ones for their safety,’ he pleaded, clinging to hope amid the chaos.
NCP (SCP) MP Fauzia Khan, learning of the crash via media, withheld further comment pending confirmation. Revolutionary Socialist Party MP NK Premchandran called it a ‘shocking and sorrowful event,’ emphasizing the loss of a key team including officials.
Biju Janata Dal Vice President Devi Prasad Mishra hailed Pawar as a ‘respected leader’ with immense influence in Pune, Baramati, and beyond. Having split from Sharad Pawar’s faction to form his own, Pawar had served as Deputy CM and previously handled the irrigation portfolio.
As investigations into the crash cause begin, Maharashtra’s political landscape braces for upheaval. Pawar’s death leaves a void in a state already rife with factional tensions, prompting questions about leadership transitions and electoral strategies. The nation mourns a political stalwart whose legacy will endure.
