‘Like an Elder Brother’: Eknath Shinde mourns Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar after Baramati Plane crash

Maharashtra reeled in shock on Wednesday as Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash at Baramati. The chartered aircraft went down while attempting to land, killing Pawar and four others on board.

Fellow Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described Pawar as “like an elder brother” and said the loss was immense for the state. “He was a studious, courageous, and disciplined leader with a strong command over administration. He never hesitated to reject schemes that would burden the state exchequer,” Shinde said while speaking to reporters.

Shinde added that he and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would travel to Baramati immediately. All scheduled engagements for both leaders were cancelled for the day. Authorities confirmed that the state government would conduct a full inquiry into the crash.

Ajit Pawar had planned to address four election rallies in Baramati, his political stronghold, ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections. The NCP leader’s presence at these rallies was considered crucial for mobilizing party workers.

Baramati airport manager Shivaji Taware told reporters that the aircraft lost control during a landing attempt. He confirmed that the jet, a chartered Learjet 45, went off the runway and crashed. Emergency services rushed to the site to control the fire and recover the victims.

The crash has left the political and administrative circles in Maharashtra stunned. Leaders across party lines expressed grief over the untimely death of the experienced politician. Pawar was known for his administrative acumen and deep understanding of state politics.

Shinde highlighted Pawar’s integrity and strong work ethic. “He balanced political strategy with administrative discipline. Many younger leaders looked up to him,” he said. Shinde also noted that Pawar’s ability to take firm decisions helped streamline governance in Maharashtra.

The NCP leader’s political journey spans decades. Pawar served multiple terms as Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister in various governments. He first entered the Lok Sabha from Baramati in 1991 and later represented the Baramati Assembly constituency seven times. Pawar built influence through local governance and cooperative institutions, particularly in western Maharashtra.

Analysts say his death creates a political vacuum in the region. Baramati has been a key power center for the NCP, and Pawar’s absence may affect local election dynamics. Party workers and supporters have already begun gathering at his home constituency to pay tribute.

Meanwhile, aviation authorities began preliminary investigations to determine the cause of the crash. Officials are reviewing flight data, runway conditions, and communication between pilots and the airport. The focus is on understanding what led to the fatal landing attempt.

As Maharashtra mourns, leaders and citizens alike remember Ajit Pawar as a committed public servant. Eknath Shinde’s remarks reflect the respect he commanded across party lines. In a state grappling with sudden grief, Pawar’s legacy in administration, politics, and local governance remains firmly etched.