Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and several others died in a plane crash on Wednesday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.
Pawar was traveling with two other staff (one PSO and one guide) and two crew members (PIC and FO), according to the DGCA.
The aviation watchdog said there were no survivors, adding that it was a Learjet 45 operated by VSR. The aircraft registration number was VT-SSK.
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The plane, which was flying from Mumbai to Baramati, made an emergency landing at its destination around 8.45 am.
Footage from the scene showed the shattered wreckage of the plane and ambulances rushing the injured to nearby hospitals.
Kiran Gujar, a close aide of Ajit Pawar, confirmed to Hindustan Times that the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister was killed in the crash. Gujar is currently at the local hospital where the bodies of the victims were taken.
“The VT SSK plane was trying to land and the plane went off the side of the runway and crashed,” Baramati airport manager Shivaji Taware told HT.
Details of what caused the attempted emergency landing and subsequent crash are still awaited.
Pawar was traveling to Baramati to address four public meetings ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections when the crash occurred.
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The tributes are pouring in
As news of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader’s death emerged, leaders across the country mourned his passing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah contacted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, ANI reported.
Shortly afterwards, the Prime Minister paid tribute to X, writing: “Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people and had strong connections at the local level. He was widely respected as a hard-working figure at the forefront of service to the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and his passion for empowering the very poor and downtrodden were also unexpectedly shocking and disheartening. His family and countless admirers.”
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed anguish over Pawar’s passing, writing, “Deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely demise of the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Ajit Pawar. Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion towards people who served the public and his acts of sacrifice. His family, supporters and admirers.”
“This is a really unfortunate incident…There are reports that Ajit Pawar was also on board. If true, then it is a very unfortunate day…This is a heart-wrenching incident. May God give strength to the affected families…He was not only Deputy CM of Maharashtra but also a well-known politician in the country. This is an irreparable loss,” said Union Minister Giriraj Singh.
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy also expressed his condolences, saying, “This is very shocking and sad news. My condolences to his family.”
“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 at this hour,” Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said.
