Tragedy Strikes: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Baramati Plane Crash
Tragedy has struck Maharashtra following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash at Baramati airport. The chartered aircraft, a Bombardier Learjet 45, was en route from Mumbai for a campaign related to the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections.
Details of the Crash
The fatal incident occurred around 8:40 AM during an emergency landing attempt. Reports indicate that the aircraft, carrying five individuals, crashed at the threshold of runway 11. Eyewitnesses described a horrific scene as flames and smoke engulfed the jet.
- Aircraft: Bombardier Learjet 45
- Location: Baramati airport
- Time: 8:40 AM
- Casualties: 5 (including Ajit Pawar and his two security personnel)
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), all five individuals aboard the flight perished in the crash. The plane was owned by VSR, a Delhi-based charter company.
Who Was Ajit Pawar?
Ajit Pawar, born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara, was a prominent figure in Maharashtra’s political landscape. As the son of Anantrao Pawar, he followed in the footsteps of his uncle, Sharad Pawar. His early political career began at age 23 when he was elected to a cooperative sugar factory board.
Known as ‘Dada,’ he was instrumental in several significant political realignments, including a notable split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 2023, where he joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Legacy and Impact
Ajit Pawar’s contributions to Maharashtra’s cooperative sector were substantial. His political legacy is marked by his ability to navigate complex political waters, gaining popularity and influence over the years. The impact of his untimely death leaves a significant void in the state’s political arena.
The loss of Ajit Pawar and those aboard the aircraft is a profound tragedy for Maharashtra, one that will likely resonate within the state’s political and social fabric for years to come.
