Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar killed in Baramati plane crash: PM Modi, leaders condole death
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar (66), died on Wednesday after a chartered aircraft carrying him crashed in Pune district’s Baramati area, officials said.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that all five people on board were killed and that no one survived the crash.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep grief over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, describing him as a leader with a strong grassroots connect and a tireless commitment to public service.
In a tweet on X, Modi said Pawar was widely respected as a hardworking leader who remained at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra, noting his understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden.
Calling his untimely demise shocking and saddening, the Prime Minister extended his condolences to Pawar’s family and countless admirers.
Besides Pawar, those killed in the crash have been identified as his security staff member Vidhit Jadhav, pilots Sumit Kapur and Shambhavi Pathak, and two other passengers, including Pinki Jadhav, officials said.
According to the DGCA, the aircraft — a Lear Jet 45 (VT-SSK) — was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati when it went off the runway while attempting to land at around 8.48 am IST. The plane subsequently burst into flames near the threshold of the runway at Baramati airport.
Pawar was travelling to his hometown, Baramati, in Pune district to address four public meetings ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections, officials said.
Reacting to the tragedy, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi described the incident as “very shocking, painful, and heart-rending.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said she was “deeply shocked and stunned” by the sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash at Baramati.
In a condolence message, Banerjee said Pawar and his co-passengers lost their lives in the disastrous accident, leaving behind a deep sense of grief and loss.
She extended her heartfelt condolences to Pawar’s family, including his uncle Sharad Pawar, and to his friends, colleagues, and followers, and said the tragic incident warrants a thorough and proper investigation.
“There have been differences between us, but we have worked together. He was a really committed man who kept to his work,” she said, while expressing condolences to Supriya Sule, Sunetra Pawar, Parth Pawar, Jay Pawar, and the people of Baramati.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday expressed shock over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was killed in a charter plane crash near Baramati earlier in the day. In a post on X, Singh said he was “deeply shocked and pained” by Pawar’s untimely demise, recalling that throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra.
He described Pawar as a leader known for his compassion and unwavering dedication to public service, and extended condolences to his family, well-wishers and admirers. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed grief over the tragedy, calling Pawar’s death shocking and devastating, and said the incident warrants a thorough investigation.
Leaders across party lines mourned the loss, recalling Pawar’s significant role in the development of the Baramati region. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant termed the news “very sad” and said the entire Pawar family was shattered. “He was a bold man and had a big role in the development of Baramati,” Sawant said while expressing condolences.
Several MPs were in Delhi for the Budget Session of Parliament, while NCP leaders, including Supriya Sule, Praful Patel, along with Pawar’s wife Sunetra and son Parth, left for Baramati. Pune Superintendent of Police Sandeep Gill said all six bodies had been recovered and taken to the hospital. “We have so far taken six bodies to the hospital. When the plane crashed, we recovered three bodies first,” he said. Kiran Gurjar, a close aide of Pawar, also confirmed the deaths, stating, “All six people, including Ajit Pawar, were brought dead.”
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday expressed grief over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, calling it a huge personal and political loss.
“Ajit Pawar’s death is unfortunate. He was my close friend in politics, and we also had familial relations. His passing away is a huge loss,” Gadkari said, adding that he paid tributes to Pawar on behalf of the party.
Emergency services rushed to the crash site soon after the accident, while aviation authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Further details are awaited.