Vidarbha Mourns as Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Tragic Plane Crash
Nagpur and the wider Vidarbha region sank into collective mourning on Wednesday following the tragic death of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in a devastating plane crash. The incident triggered an extraordinary cross-party outpouring of grief that underscored Pawar's significant political weight, administrative authority, and remarkable personal reach across ideological lines.
National and State Leaders Express Profound Grief
Union minister Nitin Gadkari was among the first prominent leaders to react to the heartbreaking news, describing it as "tragic and heartbreaking." Gadkari praised Pawar as a leader possessing "exceptional administrative acumen, a development-oriented vision, and an unmatched ability to connect with people from all walks of life." Recalling their years of association in the state legislature, Gadkari emphasized that Pawar commanded an unshakeable place in Maharashtra politics, adding that the loss was "irreparable not just for the state but for the entire nation."
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep personal sorrow, terming Pawar "a mass leader deeply rooted in the soil of Maharashtra" and a close personal friend. "My bold and big-hearted friend is lost forever," Fadnavis stated emotionally, calling the death a personal void that could never be filled. The chief minister immediately cancelled all official engagements and departed for Baramati to extend condolences to the Pawar family, the Nationalist Congress Party cadre, and the families of the four other individuals who perished in the same crash.
Political Spectrum United in Sorrow
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh expressed "deep sorrow" over the tragedy, describing Pawar's untimely demise as "a major loss to Maharashtra's political and social life." Senior RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale called the accident "extremely unfortunate" while remembering Pawar's "long and impactful public life dedicated to service."
Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule revealed he was "shaken to the core" by the news, recalling Pawar's "lightning-fast decision-making capabilities" and unwavering focus on effective governance. "I lost not just a great leader but a close senior friend who guided our coalition through numerous difficult phases," Bawankule noted with profound sadness.
NCP Leadership and Colleagues Remember a Pillar
NCP working president Praful Patel termed Wednesday "a black day for the party and the state." "Our organizational pillar is gone," he lamented, describing Pawar as a tough decision-maker who shaped generations of party workers over more than three decades of dedicated political service.
MLC Abhijit Wanjari shared heartfelt memories, saying "We will always miss you Dada," while recalling Pawar's legendary discipline and sharp wit. BJP MLA Ashish Deshmukh called him a "dynamic, hardworking, and outspoken leader" before adding, "Beyond political differences, my bond with Dada was thicker than blood — I have lost a true father figure."
Administrative Legacy and Personal Bonds
Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar remembered Pawar as a "word-keeping, skilled administrator" who mentored him for 25 years, stating simply: "Maharashtra has lost one of its tallest mass leaders." Former minister and MLA Vijay Wadettiwar elaborated further, calling Pawar a forthright voice in politics who taught him "the values of disciplined governance and administrative responsibility" during his first cabinet appointment as Minister of State.
Chandrapur MP Pratibha Dhanorkar highlighted Pawar's compassionate side, revealing he stood "like an elder brother" during her husband's illness, arranging medical assistance that transcended political considerations. "His absence has created an irreplaceable void in our lives," she expressed emotionally.
Regional Leaders Reflect on Leadership Qualities
Chandrapur guardian minister Ashok Uike called Pawar a "fearless, open-hearted leader" with vast administrative experience, while Nagpur NCP district president Shrikant Shivankar said public life had lost "a foundational pillar." Minister of state Indranil Naik announced the cancellation of all public programmes in Pusad as a mark of respect, describing the loss as "extremely painful" given Pawar's "clear and upright personality."
Hemant Gadkari, MNS general secretary, added a more personal perspective, recalling working with Pawar during his tenure as chairman of the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank. "In decades of public life, I witnessed only two leaders who never compromised on time and discipline — Manohar Joshi and Ajit Pawar," he stated, calling Pawar an enduring example for young politicians entering public service.
Humanity Above Politics
Former minister and Ballarshah MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar emphasized that Pawar consistently placed humanity and public interest above political considerations, even during periods of significant ideological differences. "Beyond the political arena, he was a warm, sensitive, and dependable friend who never allowed political disagreements to strain personal relationships," Mungantiwar reflected.
Amravati MLA Sulbha Khodke expressed feeling "orphaned" by the loss, stating: "We have lost a steadfast supporter, a visionary leader, a skilled guide, and a tireless fighter who worked relentlessly for Maharashtra's progress and prosperity." MLC Sanjay Khodke echoed this sentiment, calling Pawar "a stalwart in national politics" and "a strong and fearless leader whose absence will be deeply felt."
As tributes continued to pour in throughout the day, Vidarbha's entire political spectrum appeared united by a rare consensus: the sudden, tragic loss of a formidable leader whose profound imprint on Maharashtra's political landscape genuinely transcended party affiliations and ideological boundaries.
