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PM Modi recalls Ajit Pawar’s deep grassroots connect after the NCP leader died in a Baramati plane crash. As tributes pour in from across parties, questions remain about the final moments of the flight that claimed five lives.
PM Modi expressed deep grief over the death of Ajit Pawar
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep grief over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was killed in a tragic plane crash near Baramati. Addressing the annual NCC Prime Minister’s Rally in New Delhi, Modi described Pawar as a committed leader who worked proactively to uplift rural communities and strengthen grassroots governance.
Referring to the accident, the Prime Minister said the country had lost a dedicated public servant.
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“A tragic plane crash took place in Maharashtra this morning, leading to the demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and others. Ajit Dada played a key role in the development of Maharashtra and the nation. He took proactive steps to improve the lives of people in villages,” Modi said, offering condolences to the bereaved families.
आज सुबह एक विमान दुर्घटना ने महाराष्ट्र के उप मुख्यमंत्री अजित पवार जी और कुछ साथियों को हमसे छीन लिया। अजित दादा ने राज्य और देश के विकास में अपना अहम योगदान दिया। मैं उनके परिवार के प्रति संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूं। शोक की इस घड़ी में हम उन सभी साथियों के परिजनों के साथ हैं,… pic.twitter.com/bQLS8Em1eZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 28, 2026
Earlier in the day, Modi also paid tribute to Pawar through a post on X, calling his death “shocking and saddening.” He highlighted Pawar’s deep grassroots connect, administrative understanding, and commitment to empowering the poor and marginalised sections of society. The Prime Minister also personally spoke to veteran leader Sharad Pawar to express his condolences.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde travelled to Baramati and met Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, to convey their sympathies. Leaders across party lines have expressed grief, acknowledging Ajit Pawar’s long political journey and influence in the state’s governance.
Ajit Pawar’s last rites will be held on Thursday in Baramati. His mortal remains will be taken to Vidya Pratishthan, where people are expected to gather in large numbers to pay their final respects.
The fatal accident occurred when a small chartered aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar took off from Mumbai at around 8 am. Approximately 45 minutes later, the aircraft crashed while attempting to land near Baramati airport. Besides Pawar, four others were on board, and all occupants lost their lives in the crash.
Ajit Pawar was Maharashtra’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister, holding the position six times under different state governments. Over his career, he served in administrations led by Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde. Known for his administrative acumen and strong rural base, Pawar remained a dominant figure in Maharashtra politics for decades.
