Sunetra Pawar Offers Solace to Grieving Family After Tragic Plane Crash
In a poignant display of empathy and solidarity, newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar made heartfelt visits to the family members of Vidip Jadhav, the personal security officer who tragically perished alongside former deputy CM Ajit Pawar in the devastating Baramati plane crash on January 28. Following a quiet Sunday at her residence in Baramati, Sunetra Pawar embarked on a solemn journey to Karad and later to Taradgaon in Phaltan tehsil on Monday, focusing on offering comfort to those left bereaved by the accident.
Emotional Reunion in Taradgaon Village
Sunetra Pawar's first stop was Taradgaon, the ancestral village of Vidip Jadhav, where he was cremated with full state honors, reflecting the deep respect held for his service. At Jadhav's home, she tenderly offered flowers to his photograph, symbolizing her reverence and shared grief. In a moving gesture, she sat on the floor alongside his family members, including his parents, daughter, son, and widow, Sandhya Jadhav.
During this intimate gathering, Sunetra Pawar assured Sandhya Jadhav of her unwavering support, stating, "I am here for the family. Now, we are relatives... we are from the same family." This heartfelt declaration underscored a bond forged in tragedy, as both families grapple with the immense loss of their loved ones.
Sandhya Jadhav, a contract worker in a private company, expressed profound gratitude for Sunetra Pawar's kindness. "She will stay beside me my whole life, just like my husband was always with Ajitdada," she shared. "She told me that now we are like family. We share the same pain. For me, my husband was everything, and I have lost him. It is the same for her as well. I will never forget that she put her hands on my head. I will never forget her kindness; it will stay with me for my entire life."
Family's Heartfelt Plea and Memories
Dilip Jadhav, the father of the deceased personal security officer, conveyed the family's deep shock and sorrow to the deputy chief minister. He revealed that they plan to meet her after the mourning period concludes, highlighting the ongoing process of healing. "For us, it is a big shock. I have lost my only son. We had lots of expectations from him, but he left us," he lamented.
Recalling happier times, Dilip Jadhav mentioned a phone call from his son on January 26, where Vidip had excitedly discussed upcoming plans. "He had called me on Jan 26 and told me that soon Ajitdada's tour for Satara would be declared, and he would come home and take me to Pune for further treatment for my knees," he recounted. In a selfless plea, he added, "I told Sunetra Pawar that we do not want anything, except for the well-being of my daughter-in-law and grandchildren."
Vidip Jadhav had been a dedicated companion to Ajit Pawar since 2019, and his untimely death in the crash, which claimed five lives, has left a void in both his family and the political circles he served.
Honoring a Political Legacy in Karad
Earlier in the day, Sunetra Pawar paid her respects at the memorial of Yashwantrao Chavan, the first chief minister of Maharashtra and a significant ideological inspiration for Ajit Pawar and the party at large. Located at Preeti Sangam, the serene confluence of the Koyna and Krishna rivers, the memorial witnessed a solemn tribute.
Standing in silent reflection with her eyes closed for over a minute, Sunetra Pawar offered a floral wreath and performed a parikrama, a ritual circumambulation, before departing without uttering a word. This act of reverence highlighted the deep-rooted political traditions and the emotional weight of the moment.
Political Presence and Protocol
Accompanying Sunetra Pawar were notable NCP functionaries, including Sunil Tatkare and Satara minister Makarand Patil, as well as NCP (SP) politicians such as former MP Srinivas Patil and former minister Balasaheb Patil. Balasaheb Patil, who serves as the managing trustee of the Venutai Chavan Memorial Trust, explained his presence as a matter of courtesy for non-political events at the memorial.
Following the memorial visit, Sunetra Pawar also toured the residence of Yashwantrao Chavan, which has been transformed into a museum, further connecting with the historical and cultural heritage of Maharashtra's political landscape.
This series of visits by Sunetra Pawar not only underscores her commitment to supporting those affected by the tragic plane crash but also reinforces her role in upholding the legacy and values of Maharashtra's political leadership during a time of profound loss and reflection.
