The tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday has triggered an outpouring of grief across political and public spheres. Among those most deeply affected is his cousin and Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule, who expressed profound shock and sorrow over the untimely loss.
Speaking on the tragedy, Sule said she was “devastated” by the sudden passing of Ajit Pawar, describing it as a personal and irreparable loss for the family and for Maharashtra’s political life. Visuals showed an emotional Sule as she prepared to travel to Baramati along with Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar, as the family rushed to the crash site amid unfolding developments.
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed deep anguish over the fatal accident, which claimed the lives of Ajit Pawar and several others on board the aircraft. In a message posted on X, the President described the incident as “extremely tragic” and termed Pawar’s death an “irreparable loss.” She noted his significant contributions to Maharashtra’s development, particularly in the cooperative sector, and extended condolences to his family, supporters, and admirers. The President also prayed for strength for the families of all victims affected by the crash.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, reacting to the loss, called Ajit Pawar’s demise a major blow to the state. He described Pawar as a disciplined, courageous, and studious leader with a firm grip on administration. Shinde highlighted Pawar’s reputation for fiscal prudence, recalling how he never hesitated to reject schemes that could impose unnecessary burdens on the state exchequer. “He was like an elder brother to me,” Shinde said, reflecting the personal bonds Pawar shared across party lines.
Meanwhile, NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar left his residence for Baramati soon after the news broke, underscoring the gravity of the loss within the Pawar family and the wider political fraternity. As investigations into the crash continue, Maharashtra mourns the sudden end of a leader who remained central to the state’s politics for decades.
