‘Heart-wrenching’: Leaders across parties pay tributes as Maha Dy CM dies in plane crash

New Delhi: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, along with five others, died in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday morning. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that all six passengers onboard perished in deadly crashlanding.

Political leaders across parties expressed shock and grief at the untimely demise of the senior leader.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan posted on X, “The news of the untimely demise of four individuals, including Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji, in the plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is extremely heart-wrenching. My humble tribute to the departed souls and my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Om Shanti.”

Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary wrote, “The news of the demise of several people, including the Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and National President of NCP, Shri Ajit Pawar Ji, in the horrific airplane crash that occurred in Baramati, Maharashtra, is extremely heartbreaking and soul-wrenching. May God grant peace to the departed souls and provide strength to the grieving families to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!”

BJP leader Parvesh Verma also expressed grief . “The news of the demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji is extremely heartbreaking. This is an irreparable loss. May God grant peace to the departed soul and provide strength to the bereaved family, colleagues, and supporters to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti,” he said.

The plane crashed while attempting to land near Baramati around 9 a.m., roughly an hour after taking off from Mumbai. Visuals from the crash site showed fire and smoke, the mangled remains of the aircraft, and ambulances rushing to assist.

Locals reportedly rushed to the site in a bid to help. Emergency services and senior security officials reached the scene immediately, and a team of DGCA officials has arrived for investigation.

Shiromani Akali Dal chief and former Dy CM Punjab, Sukhbir Singh Badal posted, “Shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the passing away of Maharashtra Deputy CM & NCP chief Sh. Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati. My heartfelt condolences to the Pawar family, his supporters, and the people of Maharashtra. May the Almighty grant eternal peace to his soul.”

J&K PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti also expressed grief. She wrote in a post on X, “Deeply shocked & saddened by reports of a tragic private plane crash claiming the life of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar along with others. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May the departed souls rest in peace.”

AAP leader Manish Sisodia posted, “This news is heart-shattering. The information about the tragic death of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji and other passengers in a plane crash is extremely painful. The families are enduring this unbearable grief… May God grant them strength. Humble condolences.”

BJP MP Naveen Jindal said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Ajit Pawar Ji, in the unfortunate aircraft accident near Baramati. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and supporters. Prayers for the departed souls and strength to their loved ones in this hour of grief.”

Three bodies were transported to Baramati Medical College, and identification is underway, as confirmed by Pune Superintendent of Police (SP).

Deputy CM Pawar’s family rushed to the accident site. His wife and party MP Sunetra Pawar, son Parth Pawar, his cousin. The Deputy CM was en route to attend a public meeting ahead of Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala expressed grief nd remarked, “A loss beyond words! Om Shanti”

Congress leader Kamal Nath also prayed for peace and strength.

“We have received the news of the tragic demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar in an airplane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra.

The demise of Shri Ajit Pawar has caused an irreparable loss to India’s politics. He dedicated his entire life to the service of the people of Maharashtra. May God grant peace to his soul and give strength to the family members to bear this sorrow. Om Shanti,” he wrote on X.

Ajit Pawar, a seasoned leader of Maharashtra, leaves behind a big legacy of public service. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with officials examining both technical and procedural aspects of the accident.

IANS