The jet, which had taken off from Mumbai, was approaching Baramati airport at around 8:45 a.m. when it crash-landed and erupted into flames, according to preliminary reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Early accounts by officials and eyewitnesses suggest that the aircraft made a final approach before plummeting near the runway threshold, leaving debris and fire in its wake.
A Life Dedicated to Public Service
Born into a family deeply rooted in the cooperative movement of western Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar carried forward a legacy that blended grassroots politics with administrative heft. Over four decades, he built his reputation as one of the most influential figures in state governance, earning unparalleled respect across party lines. His tenure as deputy chief minister was marked by strategic stewardship of key portfolios and an ability to navigate complex coalition landscapes.Though he twice wielded immense influence in government, Pawar’s ambition to become chief minister remained unfulfilled, even as he stood as a power broker within Maharashtra’s political fabric. His career had seen dramatic turns, including a notable realignment in 2023 when he steered a faction of his party into a new alliance, reshaping the state’s political contours.
Baramati: The Beginning and the End
There was a poignant symmetry in Pawar’s last journey: the same Baramati that launched his political life also witnessed his tragic final moments. A stronghold for his party and a bastion of rural support, Baramati had been the crucible in which Pawar honed his political skills and forged deep connections with his electorate.Shock and Sorrow Across the Nation
News of the crash sent ripples of grief across India’s political spectrum. Leaders from rival parties paused their campaigns and condemned the tragedy as an immeasurable loss. Expressions of condolences poured in from across the country: from the President and Prime Minister to chief ministers and senior ministers, all acknowledging Pawar’s contribution to public life.Flags across Maharashtra were lowered and a three-day state mourning was declared as the state grappled with the sudden vacuum left by his passing. For many in the state capital and in his Baramati constituency, it was not just the death of a leader, but the loss of a mentor, strategist, and steadfast public servant.
Nation Reacts with Grief
Condolences poured in from across India. President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow, calling Pawar’s death a grave loss to public life. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered him as a seasoned leader who devoted decades to public service. Chief ministers, union ministers, and leaders from rival parties echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the breadth of Pawar’s influence.The Maharashtra government announced state mourning, with flags lowered and official events curtailed as a mark of respect.
Questions, Investigations, and Closure
As investigators examine flight data, weather conditions, and technical records, the state waits for answers. The probe, officials have said, will be thorough, with findings made public once all evidence is reviewed.A Legacy That Will Be Debated - and Remembered
Ajit Pawar’s life was defined by power, persistence, and political instinct. He was a leader who rarely stayed out of the spotlight and often stood at the center of Maharashtra’s most decisive moments. His death, sudden and tragic, has frozen that long, complex journey in time.For Baramati, it is the loss of its most prominent son. For Maharashtra, it is the end of an era—one that will continue to be analyzed, debated, and remembered long after the investigations conclude and the mourning fades.