Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed profound shock and grief following the sudden and tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who lost his life in a fatal aircraft crash in Baramati. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning, claimed the lives of all six people on board, including Pawar, marking a somber moment in Maharashtra's political landscape.
PM Modi's Heartfelt Tributes on Social Media
In a heartfelt post on X, Prime Minister Modi paid rich tributes to Ajit Pawar, describing him as a leader with a strong grassroots connection who was widely respected for his unwavering dedication to serving the people of Maharashtra. "Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra," Modi stated, highlighting Pawar's deep commitment to public service.
Modi further emphasized Pawar's administrative acumen and his passion for empowering the poor and marginalized sections of society. "His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti," the Prime Minister added, extending his sympathies to the bereaved family and supporters.
Separate Message for the Plane Crash Victims
In a separate post, Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragic air crash itself, offering condolences to all those affected by the disaster. "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," he wrote, underscoring the collective mourning for the lives lost in the incident.
Details of the Fatal Aircraft Crash
The fatal crash involved a Learjet 45 aircraft, operated by VSR Aviation, which was carrying Ajit Pawar along with four other individuals. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the passengers included two more personnel—one Personal Security Officer (PSO) and one attendant—and two crew members, comprising the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and the First Officer (FO). The aircraft, with a seating capacity of six including the pilot, was attempting to land at Baramati airport when the tragedy struck.
Eyewitness accounts from the scene paint a harrowing picture of the crash. An onlooker who owns a shop adjacent to the Baramati Airport recounted, "The aircraft was making a lot of noise while landing, so my attention went to it. It appeared to try landing but slid off the runway, and there was a big explosion. They pulled out four to five bodies from the aircraft." This testimony adds to the grim details of the accident, which has sent shockwaves through the region.
Political Context and Ongoing Elections
Ajit Pawar was en-route from Mumbai to Pune to attend four campaign rallies for the ongoing Zilla Parishad elections in Maharashtra. These elections, scheduled for February 5 across 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis, with vote counting set for February 7, now face a significant setback due to the untimely loss of a key political figure. Pawar's demise not only impacts the electoral dynamics but also leaves a void in Maharashtra's administrative and political spheres.
The crash has prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, with many highlighting Pawar's contributions to state governance and his relentless efforts in public service. As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and honoring the legacy of a leader who dedicated his life to the welfare of the people.
