Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of four other people. The aircraft took off from Mumbai and was attempting to land at the airport in Baramati when the fatal accident occurred.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed the crash occurred while the plane was heading toward the deputy chief minister’s local constituency. Two members of Pawar’s personal staff and two flight crew members were also killed in the wreckage of the burning airplane today
The Power Center
Ajit Pawar, often referred to as “Dada,” has been a formidable force in Maharashtra for decades, primarily through his mastery of the state’s cooperative sector and rural economy. For much of his career, he functioned as the “administrator-in-chief” of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He was known for his accessibility and blunt, decisive style of governance. This made him popular among party workers. He was also favored by the bureaucracy.
National Leaders Express Profound Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a message on X expressing that he was deeply saddened by the news of this tragic crash. Modi offered his thoughts to the grieving families and paid a special tribute to the influential legacy of the veteran Maharashtra leader. The aviation regulator confirmed the crash-landing occurred in Baramati. However, the official cause of the accident has not been determined yet.
A Legacy of Maharashtra Politics
Ajit Pawar was the nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar. He played a major role in the state’s modern political landscape. He recently led a group of lawmakers to form his own party. The party was officially recognized as the Nationalist Congress Party later. This political faction remained a key part of the governing alliance in Maharashtra alongside the Bharatiya Janata Party and other local partners.
His career has been frequently shadowed by allegations of a multi-crore irrigation scam and irregularities in the cooperative banking sector. These controversies provided significant ammunition for his political opponents and often complicated his path to the Chief Minister’s post.
His “downfall” or political shift is often traced to his decision to break away from his uncle, Sharad Pawar. While he successfully claimed the NCP name and symbol, the move alienated a section of the traditional NCP voter base that remains loyal to the elder Pawar. This internal family and party split has created a “legacy of fragmentation” rather than the unified power he once wielded.
Q&A Section
Question 1: Who else died in the crash besides the Deputy Chief Minister?
Two members of Ajit Pawar’s staff died. Two crew members also died. The deputy chief minister was with them during the crash-landing in Baramati.
Question 2: Where did the flight originate before it crashed at the airport?
The plane took off from Mumbai. It was traveling toward the Baramati airport. Unfortunately, it tragically crashed and burst into flames nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Ajit Pawar’s political role in the state of Maharashtra recently?
Pawar served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra several times. He led a major faction of the recognized Nationalist Congress Party.
Has the cause of the crash been found by the aviation regulator?
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has not yet confirmed the official cause of the crash. The investigation is still ongoing.
How did Prime Minister Narendra Modi react to the news of the crash?
The Prime Minister stated he was deeply saddened and offered his prayers for strength to the families during this moment of grief