Ajit Pawar death: Sharad Pawar arrives in Baramati after tragic plane crash | First visuals

Mumbai:

In the first visuals after the tragic incident, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar was seen arriving in Baramati along with his wife Pratibha Pawar. The visuals emerged hours after reports of a plane crash near the Baramati airport that sent shockwaves across Maharashtra.

Sharad Pawar reached Baramati to understand the situation firsthand and to receive updates from district and aviation officials. He visited areas near the crash site and spoke to the administration as authorities continued efforts to ascertain the cause of the accident. Officials said detailed findings are awaited and more information will be shared after preliminary investigations.

Ajit Pawar killed in plane crash

According to initial reports, Ajit Pawar, NCP leader and Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, was killed in a plane crash while travelling from Mumbai to Baramati on Wednesday morning. The small charter aircraft reportedly took off from Mumbai around 8:00–8:10 am and crashed near Baramati airport while attempting to land about 30–45 minutes later.

Reports further stated that four others, including the pilots and security personnel, were also killed in the accident. Ajit Pawar was reportedly travelling to Baramati to address four public meetings ahead of the upcoming Zilla Parishad and local body elections next month. Known for his strong grassroots connect, he remained actively engaged in campaign activities till his last moments, according to party sources.

Ajit Pawar was among Maharashtra’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Ministers, having held the post six times non-consecutively. Over the years, he served in governments led by Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde, playing a key role in state politics.

Baramati observes bandh

As a mark of respect, Baramati observed a bandh on Wednesday. Citizens paid tribute to the leader, describing him as deeply rooted in the region and committed to public service. Several political and social organisations suspended activities in mourning.

Hours after the reported demise, the Maharashtra government announced three days of state mourning. Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep grief over the loss. “Ajit Dada Pawar was a leader connected to the ground. His passing is deeply saddening. There is grief in his family and among all of us,” the Chief Minister said, adding that Pawar was a strong and generous friend. He also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had spoken to the state leadership regarding the accident.