Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Killed in Baramati Plane Crash
A tragic aircraft accident in Baramati on Wednesday morning claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four other individuals. The plane, a Learjet 45 operated by VSR Aviation, crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport, resulting in the death of all passengers and crew members on board.
Details of the Fatal Crash
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ajit Pawar was traveling with two additional personnel—one personal security officer and one attendant—along with two crew members, comprising the pilot-in-command and the first officer. The aircraft, which had a seating capacity of six individuals including the pilot, was en route from Mumbai to Pune. Pawar was scheduled to attend four campaign rallies for the ongoing Zilla Parishad elections in Maharashtra.
An eyewitness who owns a shop adjacent to the Baramati Airport provided a harrowing account of the incident. "The aircraft was making a lot of noise while landing, so my attention went to it," the onlooker stated. "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." The crash has sent shockwaves through the political landscape and the local community.
Political Leaders Express Condolences and Shock
Leaders from across party lines have expressed profound grief and extended their condolences following the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to convey his shock and sadness over the fatal crash. "Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect," PM Modi wrote. "He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. 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."
Tejashwi Yadav, another prominent political figure, also expressed his sorrow. "Deeply pained and stunned by the news of the sudden demise of Deputy CM of Maharashtra Sh. Ajit Pawar! My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and followers," he posted on X.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh described Pawar's death as an "irreparable loss" to the nation. "This is a heart-rending incident. May God give strength to the affected families...He was not just the Deputy CM of Maharashtra but also a well-known politician in the country. This is an irreparable loss," Singh remarked, highlighting the significant impact of Pawar's contributions to public service.
Context of the Zilla Parishad Elections
The tragic incident occurred amidst the fervor of the Zilla Parishad elections in Maharashtra. Elections for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis are scheduled to be held on February 5, with the counting of votes set for February 7. Ajit Pawar's campaign rallies were a crucial part of the electoral preparations, making his sudden loss even more poignant for the political arena.
The crash has not only resulted in a significant personal and political loss but has also raised questions about aviation safety and emergency response protocols. Investigations into the cause of the accident are likely to be conducted by relevant authorities to determine the factors leading to this devastating event.
As the state mourns the loss of a dedicated leader, the condolences from various political figures underscore the respect and admiration Ajit Pawar commanded across the spectrum. His legacy of grassroots connectivity and administrative acumen will be remembered by many.
