When Ajit Pawar recounted his in-flight chat with Devendra Fadnavis about surviving accidents | VIDEO
Ajit Pawar plane crash: An old video shows Ajit Pawar describing the turbulence caused by thick cloud cover and recalls seeking reassurance from Fadnavis aboard a flight. The CM responded calmly, saying he survived multiple accidents and that his luck would see them both through.
The death of Ajit Pawar, former deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party, in plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday has sent shockwaves across India’s political landscape.
Ajit Pawar, aged 66, died on January 28 along with 4 others when the chartered Learjet 45 aircraft they were travelling in crashed near Baramati airport in Pune district, his home constituency. He was on his way to address public meetings ahead of local elections when the aircraft was involved in an accident.
In a tragic twist, Baramati, where Pawar was headed for political engagements, later became the site of his final rites. His cremation was carried out there earlier on Thursday.
Ajit Pawar plane crash: What actually happened
The crash occurred during an attempted landing amid reportedly poor visibility. According to preliminary accounts, the aircraft burst into flames after impact while making a second approach, either veering off the runway or falling short during the landing attempt.
Ajit Pawar's old video surfaces
In the aftermath of the tragedy, a social media post by journalist turned communications expert Smita Deshmukh on X went viral, drawing attention to an eerie coincidence that has deeply resonated with people.
In her post, Deshmukh recalled an old anecdote involving Ajit Pawar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who share the same birthday. She referred to a video in which Pawar narrated a tense flight through thick clouds, during which he felt anxious.
In the story, Fadnavis reassured him by saying he had survived 6 accidents and that nothing would happen to either of them.
Deshmukh described the memory as a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life can be, ending her post with “Om Shanti”.
The video that now feels haunting
The video clip attached shows Pawar, affectionately called Dada by his supporters, recounting the episode in a relaxed and reflective manner during what appears to be an informal public interaction.
In the clip, Pawar speaks about the turbulence caused by dense clouds and recalls turning to Fadnavis for reassurance. The chief minister calmly told him that his luck, having survived multiple accidents, would protect them both. Pawar narrated the episode on a lighter note, underscoring the trust and camaraderie between the two leaders, who have worked closely through years of political alliances and rivalries.
The video’s impact today lies in its painful irony, with words once meant to reassure now appearing as an unintended and chilling foreshadowing.
Public reaction and grief
Many social media users expressed sorrow and disbelief, with replies filled with messages of condolence and reflections on the unpredictability of life. Several pointed to Devendra Fadnavis’s visible distress in public appearances after the crash, noting the deeply personal loss behind the political tragedy.
Probe into Baramati plane crash
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the crash, including analysis of the recovered black box. Preliminary indications suggest factors such as low visibility, possible pilot misjudgment during the approach, and difficulties in aligning the aircraft for landing.
The crash prompted an outpouring of condolences from leaders across party lines, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who highlighted Pawar’s stature as a veteran politician known for his administrative skills and strong grassroots connections in Maharashtra.
As the state mourns the sudden loss, Smita Deshmukh’s viral post has come to symbolise the tragedy, turning a once comforting memory into a stark reminder of how quickly life can change.