Ajit Pawar's Viral Video Resurfaces After Tragic Plane Crash in Baramati
An old video of Ajit Pawar, the veteran Maharashtra politician, has gone viral on social media following his tragic death in a plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday morning. The video, dated 4 December 2024, captures a lighthearted moment from a press conference held after the Mahayuti alliance's victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections.
Press Conference Humor Before Oath-Taking
In the viral clip, Ajit Pawar, Devendra Fadnavis, and Eknath Shinde addressed the media ahead of their oath-taking ceremony. When a journalist inquired whether Shinde and Pawar would both be sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers, Shinde playfully asked the media to wait. However, Pawar, seated beside him, confidently responded in Hindi, "Whether anyone else takes the oath or not, it is certain that I will be taking the oath tomorrow." His witty remark elicited laughter from the audience, showcasing his charismatic personality.
Shinde's Reference to Past Political Maneuvers
Eknath Shinde added to the humor by noting, "Dada has experience of taking oath in the morning and in the evening," alluding to Pawar's brief stint as Deputy Chief Minister in November 2019 during a short-lived BJP-NCP coalition that lasted less than 80 hours. Pawar further joked in Marathi, recalling that his previous oath with Fadnavis in the morning did not lead to a long-lasting government, highlighting his self-deprecating wit and political acumen.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Ajit Pawar, aged 66, died when his chartered Learjet 45, operated by VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd, crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport. The plane had departed from Mumbai at 8:10 am, and highway camera footage captured the moment of the explosion. Pawar was en route to Baramati, a stronghold of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), to attend a rally for the Zila Parishad elections, underscoring his grassroots political engagements.
Political Legacy and Career Highlights
Born in 1959, Ajit Anantrao Pawar was a senior politician renowned for his long career in Maharashtra politics. He served multiple terms as Deputy Chief Minister under various governments, earning the affectionate nickname 'dada' as a mark of respect. Originally from the NCP, he defected in 2023 to align with the BJP-Shiv Sena government, distancing himself from his uncle Sharad Pawar's faction. His political journey was marked by:
- Holding the Deputy Chief Minister position several times, demonstrating his enduring influence.
- Playing a key role in coalition politics, including the 2024 Mahayuti alliance.
- Maintaining a strong connection with local communities through grassroots initiatives.
Key Takeaways from the Viral Video and Tragedy
The resurgence of this video serves as a poignant reminder of Ajit Pawar's contributions to Indian politics. It highlights:
- His charismatic and humorous demeanor, which endeared him to colleagues and the public alike.
- The unpredictability of political life, as seen in his joking references to past oath-taking events.
- The suddenness of his passing, which has left a void in Maharashtra's political landscape and sparked reflections on mortality.
This incident not only mourns the loss of a seasoned leader but also celebrates the lighter moments he brought to the often-serious realm of politics, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and wit.
