Live Ajit Pawar dies at 66, PM Modi, Rajnath Singh and others offer condolences

"It is a saddening incident. He was a popular leader of Maharashtra. He held many important positions in Maharashtra politics with a proven record. My deepest sympathy goes to his family and loved ones,"  said Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

"This is our personal loss. His passing away has left a huge vacuum in Maharashtra politics. I express my tributes to him," said BJP MP Ashok Chavan.

"The news of the plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, which claimed the lives of several people, including Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, is deeply saddening. The untimely demise of Shri Ajit Pawar is an irreparable loss. He will always be remembered for his significant contributions to the development of Maharashtra, particularly in the cooperative sector. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, supporters, and admirers. May God grant strength to the families of all those who lost their lives in this tragic accident to bear this immense grief," said President Droupadi Murmu.

"The news of the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar and his fellow passengers in a plane crash today is deeply saddening...I stand with the people of Maharashtra in this moment of grief. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire Pawar family and their loved ones during this difficult time," said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. 

"I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and his supporters. I have spoken to Ajit Pawar's wife and Supriya ji (Supriya Sule)," said Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

"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," said Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

Describing Ajit Pawar’s demise as a “dark day in Maharashtra politics,” Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday said that Maharashtra politics is nothing without 'Dada'
 
“We were praying for Dada’s safe return. He had an open-hearted personality; every worker loved him. Today, a mountain of sorrow has fallen on Maharashtra.”

"The unfortunate plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, which claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar and other members, is extremely tragic and heartbreaking. My humble condolences to them...My deepest sympathies are with the bereaved families...I pray to Lord Rama to grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the grieving families to bear this immense sorrow...Om Shanti," Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said.

"Ajit Pawar's death is unfortunate. He was my close friend in politics, and we also had familial relations. His passing away is a huge loss. On behalf of the party, I pay my tributes to him," said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

"Ajit Pawar ji had made a place for himself in Maharashtra politics. This is a huge loss for his family and the state. The dynamics of politics in Maharashtra will change with his passing away," said CR Paatil.

"We are getting really sad news about Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. I pray that God gives strength to his family members and party members at this time. We stand with his family during this hour," said Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak.

"This is very shocking, painful and heart-rending. There have been differences between us, but we have worked together. He was a really committed man who kept to his work. I express my sympathies to Pawar sahab, Supriya ji, Sunetra ji, Parth and Jay. I also express sympathies to lakhs and crores of people in Baramati...Going away like this is very painful," said Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi. 

"Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. 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. Om Shanti," PM said in a post.

"Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief," PM Modi said in a post on X.

"Deeply shocked and stunned by the suddden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family including his uncle Sharad Pawar ji, and late Ajitji's all friends and followers. The incident needs proper investigation," West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a post on X.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posts, "Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar.  Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion for the people and his unwavering dedication to public service. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers."