Ministers, leaders mourn Ajit Pawar’s demise

 

 

Ministers and senior leaders of all political parties in Nagpur on Wednesday condoled the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was killed in a plane crash near Baramati in Pune district. 

 

Expressing grief, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari posted on his ‘X’ handle “The death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawarji in a plane crash is shocking, unfortunate and sad. My heartfelt tributes to him.” He further posted, “I have had a very close relationship with Ajitdada while working together in the State Legislature for the past many years. He always had a strong place in Maharashtra’s politics due to his administrative skills, developmental approach and ability to connect with people.” He also wrote, “His untimely demise is an irreparable loss not only to Maharashtra but also to the entire country. My condolences to the entire Pawar family on this sad occasion. Om Shanti.”

 

 

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also put a post on ‘X’ handle, “Dada is no more! My dear friend and colleague, a mass leader with a strong people connect, Deputy Chief Minister Ajitdada Pawar lost his life in a plane crash. This is an extremely shocking, heart-wrenching news. I am numb. I do not have any words to express these devastating emotions.” He further said, “I have lost my brave friend with a huge heart. This is a tragic and personal loss for me. And it is irreparable loss! I pay my deep, humble, heartfelt respects to dear Dada. My deepest condolences to his entire family and NCP family. We stand together with them in sorrowful and tough times.” Fadnavis also paid tributes to four other people who were also killed in the plane crash. “4 more people lost lives in this crash. My condolences to their families too. We are with them. I have cancelled all my scheduled programmes and will go to Baramati. Shanti,” Fadnavis posted. 

 

 

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Revenue Minister, Maharashtra. I am deeply shaken—by the heartbreaking news of the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra’s beloved Deputy Chief Minister and my senior friend, Ajitdada Pawar, in Baramati. Even now, it is difficult to accept that this tragedy has really happened. Ajitdada will forever be remembered as a true people’s leader who gave clear direction and unstoppable momentum to the all-round development of Maharashtra. His firm command over administration, extraordinary pace of work, and unwavering commitment to public welfare earned him an indelible place in the hearts of the people.

 

 

Dattatreya Hosabale, Sarkaryawah, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) The sudden demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash is deeply unfortunate and tragic. He had a long and influential public life where he always worked for the people. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) offers its heartfelt tributes and may God give peace to his soul. Om Shanti. 

 

 

Ajit Dada was a strong and dynamic leader in politics. The huge void created by his passing will never be filled. Our Meghe family’s relationship with him was 40 years old, and last December 2024, Ajit Dada had come to meet our senior family member, Dattaji Meghe. His guidance and old memories will always remain with us. The Meghe family and I offer heartfelt tributes to his memory.

 

 

Ajit Dada’s demise is a big loss and created a huge vacuum in Maharashtra’s politics. He was known as “man with a heart of gold” in State politics. Dada never discriminated or showed favouritism while distributing funds. As a Finance Minister, Dada never let the State treasury to deplete. My heartfelt condolences to Ajit Dada. 

 

 

Ajit Dada’s death is a huge loss to Indian politics. He was a great leader, mentor and a person. Three months ago, I personally met him during the Maharashtra Olympic Association’s election when I interacted with him. In that election, we all executive members elected him as President of the body with one voice. Thereafter, he elected me as Vice President of the body.

 

 

Whole Maharashtra is in deep mourning following the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The wave of sorrow has spread across the State. His demise has created a huge vacuum in State’s politics where every individual is in sorrow. Ajit Pawar was known as a people’s representative who dedicated his life to Maharashtra’s politics. He made significant contributions in the fields of irrigation, economy, infrastructure and rural development.

 

 

Ajitdada was not just a leader who held a position of power, but also a leader who balanced administration, policy-making and always connected with common people. No one can fill this vacuum in Maharashtra’s politics. His identity was his readiness to take tough decisions, thorough knowledge about issues and a clear stance. No matter how difficult the situation, Ajitdada was always ready to take risk for his people. 

 

 

Today is a very unfortunate and heartbreaking day for Maharashtra. I am shocked to hear the news of Ajitdada’s demise in a plane crash. It is very hard to believe that ‘people’s leader’ is no longer with us. I was fortunate to work with Ajitdada for many years in the State Legislature and on his political journey. Despite differences in politics, he maintained close relations with everyone at a personal level. He had a clear vision to make Maharashtra a developed state. A heartfelt tribute! 

 

 

The sudden demise of Ajit Dada is a big loss to every party worker. We lost a father figure who always stood for his people. Now he will live in our memories for life. 

 

 

It is difficult to accept that this tragedy has really happened. Ajitdada’s death created a huge vacuum in Maharashtra’s politics and in NCP and no one can fill that hollow space. He gave clear direction and unstoppable momentum to the all-round development of Maharashtra. He always had a strong place in Maharashtra’s politics due to his administrative skills, developmental approach, ability to connect people and bold decision-making.