Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Dies in Tragic Plane Crash
In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar passed away on Wednesday morning. The veteran politician died when the chartered aircraft he was traveling in crashed during landing at Baramati. The flight had originated from Mumbai, marking a tragic end to a journey that has left a significant void in Indian politics.
Bollywood Mourns the Loss of a Political Stalwart
The news of Ajit Pawar's untimely demise prompted an outpouring of grief from the entertainment industry, with numerous Bollywood celebrities taking to social media platforms to express their condolences and share memories of the departed leader.
Kangana Ranaut, who is also an actor-turned-politician, was visibly shaken when media personnel informed her about the incident outside Parliament in Delhi. In a video shared by ANI, she expressed profound shock, stating, "Oh my god... This is such horrible news... There are not enough words to express..." She mentioned she would provide a more comprehensive statement after processing her emotions.
Ajay Devgn took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his grief, posting: "Shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Hon. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this immense loss. Om Shanti."
Heartfelt Tributes from Across the Film Fraternity
Riteish Deshmukh shared several photographs of Ajit Pawar along with an emotional message describing him as "one of Maharashtra's most dynamic leaders" who had "zero tolerance for non-performance." He highlighted Pawar's unmatched wit and the deep affection he commanded across the state, noting that his passing leaves an irreplaceable void.
Other notable figures from the entertainment industry who paid tribute include:
- Pawan Kalyan, actor and politician, who expressed deep shock and remembered Pawar's dedicated public service and contributions to Maharashtra's development
- Anupam Kher, who recalled Pawar's gentle and kind nature during their meetings
- Madhur Bhandarkar, filmmaker, who described Pawar as a towering figure in state politics whose loss is irreparable
- Ravi Kishan, actor-politician, who referred to Pawar as "Baramati's king" and emphasized the significant loss to Indian politics
A Political Legacy Remembered
Ajit Pawar held the distinction of being Maharashtra's longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister non-consecutively, having served six terms in various governments. His political career spanned multiple administrations, including those led by Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde.
Beyond his political achievements, Pawar was a family man survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar and their two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar. His sudden departure has not only created a political vacuum but has also touched countless lives across different spheres of Indian society.
The tragic plane crash that claimed his life serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of existence, even for those who occupy the highest echelons of power and influence. As investigations into the accident continue, the nation mourns a leader whose impact extended far beyond the political arena.
