Ajit Pawar's Terrifying Helicopter Experience During Maharashtra Flight
Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar faced a heart-stopping mid-air scare while traveling from Nagpur to Gadchiroli on July 17, 2024. The incident occurred during a helicopter journey that included then deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and industries minister Uday Samant as fellow passengers.
Zero Visibility Conditions Create Perilous Situation
The flight encountered extremely hazardous weather conditions as heavy rainfall, dense fog, and dark clouds enveloped the aircraft. Visibility dropped to near-zero levels, creating what Pawar later described as a frightening experience. After the helicopter safely touched down, a visibly shaken Pawar recounted the terrifying moments to reporters.
"When it went into the clouds, I looked around. We couldn't see the ground or trees. We were flying blindly," Pawar revealed, describing how the aircraft wobbled uncontrollably within the cloud cover. The veteran politician admitted to feeling intense anxiety during the ordeal, saying he experienced "a knot in my stomach" as the helicopter navigated through the treacherous conditions.
Spiritual Recourse During the Crisis
Adding to the dramatic nature of the incident, Pawar noted that the flight occurred on Ashadhi Ekadashi, an important Hindu fasting day. During the most frightening moments, he turned to spiritual practice for comfort. "It was Ashadhi Ekadashi and I kept chanting the name of Lord Pandurang," Pawar shared, referring to a form of Lord Vishnu particularly revered in Maharashtra.
Contrasting Reactions Among Political Leaders
While Pawar experienced significant distress, his fellow passenger Devendra Fadnavis displayed remarkable composure throughout the ordeal. According to Pawar's account, Fadnavis sat calmly beside him and continued engaging in casual conversation despite the alarming situation.
When Pawar expressed his concerns about their safety, Fadnavis offered reassuring words based on his own extensive experience with air travel. The former chief minister explained that he had encountered similar mid-air scares on numerous previous occasions and had always emerged unharmed from such situations.
This incident highlights the unpredictable challenges of air travel in India's diverse climatic conditions, particularly during the monsoon season. It also provides a rare glimpse into how prominent political figures respond to genuine emergencies, revealing contrasting personal approaches to crisis management between two of Maharashtra's most influential leaders.
