Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, calling him a mass leader known for his deep connection with grassroots politics. Pawar was killed earlier in the day when a chartered aircraft crashed while attempting to land in Baramati, Pune district.

In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister described Pawar as a tireless public servant who dedicated his life to Maharashtra’s development. He said Pawar’s administrative insight and commitment to uplifting the underprivileged made him widely respected across political boundaries, adding that the tragedy was both shocking and heartbreaking.

According to state officials, the aircraft went down during its landing attempt and immediately caught fire. Ajit Pawar and five others on board, including crew members and security personnel, were killed on the spot. Authorities confirmed there were no survivors.

Eyewitnesses at the crash site described a horrifying scene, stating that the aircraft appeared unstable while descending before crashing and erupting into multiple explosions. Emergency responders rushed to the area, but intense flames made rescue efforts impossible.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to assess the situation. Investigation teams have begun preliminary inquiries into the cause of the crash.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed Pawar’s death a personal loss, praising his decades-long dedication to public service and welfare initiatives across Maharashtra. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed profound grief, recalling Pawar’s unwavering commitment to the state’s progress and his compassion for the people.

Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the loss was deeply painful and extended sympathies to the Pawar family and the people of Maharashtra. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, and several regional leaders echoed similar sentiments.

Leaders from DMK, TDP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and other parties described Pawar’s death as a major blow to Maharashtra and national politics. Many called for a thorough investigation into the crash.

Ajit Pawar, one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures, played a central role in state politics for decades and was closely associated with Baramati’s development. His sudden passing has left the state in mourning, particularly in his political stronghold.

As investigations continue, tributes continue to flood in from across the country, marking the end of a towering political career cut short by tragedy.