Eknath Shinde, President Murmu and leaders across parties mourn demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Congress top brass, from Rahul Gandhi to Mallikarjun Kharge and others expressed profound grief over the tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on Wednesday. The incident, which also claimed the lives of other passengers onboard, has sent shockwaves across political circles and left his family, relatives and party workers in mourning.

LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi posted on X, "The news of the demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and his fellow travelers in an airplane accident today is extremely heartbreaking. In this moment of grief, I stand with the people of Maharashtra. I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and their loved ones during this hour of sorrow."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge posted on X, "The news of the tragic demise of Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash, is deeply shocking and profoundly distressing. It is an untimely loss of a leader who had a long and promising political career ahead. No words can adequately express the immense grief that the bereaved family must be enduring during this difficult hour."

"I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Pawar family, his supporters and well-wishers. Having served the people of Maharashtra in various constitutional capacities, Shri Ajit Pawar shall be remembered as a seasoned politician who discharged his responsibilities towards his people with sincerity and astuteness. May his soul rest in peace," he added.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wrote, "The news of the demise of Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and others in the horrific plane crash in Maharashtra is extremely heartbreaking. May God grant peace to the departed souls. Deepest condolences to revered Sharad Pawar Ji, Supriya Sule Ji and their entire family, and to the supporters of revered Ajit Pawar Ji."

Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, also expressed his condolences, writing on X, "Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Ajit Pawar in the aircraft crash. His passing is a profound loss to public life. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and supporters. May his soul rest in peace, and may his loved ones find the strength to endure this irreparable loss."

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav also expressed grief, "Maharashtra Deputy CM Shri Ajit Pawar ji passed away in a plane crash, extremely tragic! May God grant his soul peace. Deep condolences to the bereaved family. Heartfelt tribute!"

RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav added on X, "Deeply pained and stunned by the news of sudden demise of Deputy CM of Maharashtra Sh. Ajit Pawar! My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and followers."

Leaders from across the country have conveyed condolences, remembering him as a dedicated public servant whose work impacted the lives of millions in Maharashtra.

Gautam Adani expresses grief over passing of Ajit Pawar

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani on Wednesday expressed grief over the passing of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati.

Taking to the social media platform X, Gautam Adani recalled meeting with the NCP leader just a month ago in Baramati and reminisced about his commitment to building up the nation and the state.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar. Just a month ago, we stood together in Baramati for the inauguration of the Sharad Pawar Centre of Excellence in AI - a moment that reflected Ajit ji's vision, his belief in progress, and his commitment to Bharat's youth and her future," Gautam Adani said.

"May we honour his legacy by continuing the work he championed to build a future-ready Maharashtra. May his soul rest in peace," the businessman added.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde condoled the sad demise of Ajit Pawar, the Dy CM and NCP chief, saying that it was a personal loss.

"A workaholic leader, an able administrator and one who is always known for punctuality, is no more. He has contributed a lot to the state and also to the government. I have lost an elder brother. I myself, along with CM Devendra Fadnavis and Dy CM Ajit Pawar, were working as a team for the state's development. We have lost our team member."

He demanded that a probe be conducted into the plane crash so that such incidents should not occur again. "It is an irreparable loss to the state. He may have appeared strict, but he was kind-hearted. As the finance minister during my tenure as the deputy chief minister, Ajit Dada worked hard to push the state's development and also during the launch of a host of welfare and development schemes, including Ladki Bahin Yojana," said Dy CM Shinde.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, "We are in pain and grief... He was my close friend and held an important position in our government. He was a great leader of Maharashtra and is no longer with us. My deepest sympathy goes to all his family members and followers. I pray to God to give strength to his family members to cope with this difficult time."

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said, "Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Shri Ajit Pawar in the plane crash in Baramati earlier today. My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this loss. May his contributions to public life be remembered, and may the bereaved find strength in this difficult time."

State revenue minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said he was deeply shaken by the heartbreaking news of the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra's beloved Deputy Chief Minister and his senior friend, Ajit Dada Pawar, in Baramati.

"Even now, it is difficult to accept that this tragedy has really happened. Ajit Dada will forever be remembered as a true people's leader who gave clear direction and unstoppable momentum to the all-round development of Maharashtra. His firm command over administration, extraordinary pace of work, and unwavering commitment to public welfare earned him an indelible place in the hearts of the people," he said.

"Ajit Dada possessed immense administrative experience. On many occasions, I personally sought his advice and discussed various matters openly and freely with him. While working together in the Mahayuti alliance, I was always inspired by his straightforward and candid style of addressing issues. Being in his company taught me a great many things. The loss of Ajit Dada is not merely the departure of one leader -- it is a profound loss for Maharashtra itself. The nation has lost a visionary statesman, and I have lost a very dear elder friend and guide. The reality that Ajit Dada is no longer among us still feels impossible to accept," he stated.

"I offer my heartfelt condolences and deepest tribute to Ajitdada and to everyone who tragically lost their lives in this accident. May God grant their souls eternal peace. I stand in sincere solidarity with their grieving families, loved ones, and the countless workers and supporters whose lives they touched. Om Shanti," he added.

Shiv Sena leader and former leader of opposition in the state council, Ambadas Danve, said, "Ajitdada... The leadership that stood tall through four decades of relentless hard work has slipped away from us in a single moment. A towering leader who gave words their true meaning, had an excellent grip on administration, and was deeply connected to the grassroots people -- Maharashtra has lost such a leader today in the form of Ajit Dada. This loss belongs not just to the Pawar family but to the entire state of Maharashtra. In this hour of grief, we all stand in solidarity with the sorrow of the Pawar family."

BJP MP Ujwal Nikam said, "On the passing away of Maha Dy CM Ajit Pawar, Deputy CM Rajya Sabha MP Ujjwal Nikam said, "This is a very sad incident. I have known him for the past many years. He always kept his word. Once I met with an accident while coming from Pune to Mumbai. At the time, Ajit ji called me and inquired about the incident and me. He always used to worry about others. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, is a fellow Rajya Sabha member. This is a huge loss for her. This is my personal loss and a loss for Maharashtra."

Early in the day, Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Pawar and four others died in a plane crash near Baramati. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the deaths.

Amid ongoing elections to the Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis, Dy CM Ajit Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to attend a public meeting.

The plane crashed while landing near Baramati. Visuals from the spot show fire and smoke, mangled remains of the plane, and ambulances rushing the injured to nearby hospitals. There were people at the wreckage site trying to extend help in every possible way.

This incident occurred around 9 a.m., an hour after the plane took off from Mumbai.

Emergency services and senior security officials were at the site in Baramati. Rescue teams were deployed immediately after the aircraft lost control during the landing phase.

Conveying condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Pawar "a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect".

"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," PM Modi posted on X.

President Droupadi Murmu also expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Maharashtra's Deputy CM.

"Ajit Pawar's untimely demise is an irreparable loss. He will always be remembered for his significant contributions to Maharashtra's development, especially in the cooperative sector," the President said on X.

(With inputs from IANS)