Mumbai, Jan 28: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde condoled the sad demise of Ajit Pawar, the Dy CM and NCP chief, saying that it was a personal loss.
“A workaholic leader, an able administrator and one who is always known for punctuality, is no more. He has contributed a lot to the state and also to the government. I have lost an elder brother. I myself, along with CM Devendra Fadnavis and Dy CM Ajit Pawar, were working as a team for the state’s development. We have lost our team member.”
He demanded that a probe be conducted into the plane crash so that such incidents should not occur again. “It is an irreparable loss to the state. He may have appeared strict, but he was kind-hearted. As the finance minister during my tenure as the deputy chief minister, Ajit Dada worked hard to push the state’s development and also during the launch of a host of welfare and development schemes, including Ladki Bahin Yojana,” said Dy CM Shinde.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, “We are in pain and grief… He was my close friend and held an important position in our government. He was a great leader of Maharashtra and is no longer with us. My deepest sympathy goes to all his family members and followers. I pray to God to give strength to his family members to cope with this difficult time.”
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Shri Ajit Pawar in the plane crash in Baramati earlier today. My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this loss. May his contributions to public life be remembered, and may the bereaved find strength in this difficult time.”
State revenue minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said he was deeply shaken by the heartbreaking news of the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra’s beloved Deputy Chief Minister and his senior friend, Ajit Dada Pawar, in Baramati.
“Even now, it is difficult to accept that this tragedy has really happened. Ajit Dada will forever be remembered as a true people’s leader who gave clear direction and unstoppable momentum to the all-round development of Maharashtra. His firm command over administration, extraordinary pace of work, and unwavering commitment to public welfare earned him an indelible place in the hearts of the people,” he said.
“Ajit Dada possessed immense administrative experience. On many occasions, I personally sought his advice and discussed various matters openly and freely with him. While working together in the Mahayuti alliance, I was always inspired by his straightforward and candid style of addressing issues. Being in his company taught me a great many things. The loss of Ajit Dada is not merely the departure of one leader — it is a profound loss for Maharashtra itself. The nation has lost a visionary statesman, and I have lost a very dear elder friend and guide. The reality that Ajit Dada is no longer among us still feels impossible to accept,” he stated.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences and deepest tribute to Ajitdada and to everyone who tragically lost their lives in this accident. May God grant their souls eternal peace. I stand in sincere solidarity with their grieving families, loved ones, and the countless workers and supporters whose lives they touched. Om Shanti,” he added.
Shiv Sena leader and former leader of opposition in the state council, Ambadas Danve, said, “Ajitdada… The leadership that stood tall through four decades of relentless hard work has slipped away from us in a single moment. A towering leader who gave words their true meaning, had an excellent grip on administration, and was deeply connected to the grassroots people — Maharashtra has lost such a leader today in the form of Ajit Dada. This loss belongs not just to the Pawar family but to the entire state of Maharashtra. In this hour of grief, we all stand in solidarity with the sorrow of the Pawar family.”
BJP MP Ujwal Nikam said, “On the passing away of Maha Dy CM Ajit Pawar, Deputy CM Rajya Sabha MP Ujjwal Nikam said, “This is a very sad incident. I have known him for the past many years. He always kept his word. Once I met with an accident while coming from Pune to Mumbai. At the time, Ajit ji called me and inquired about the incident and me. He always used to worry about others. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, is a fellow Rajya Sabha member. This is a huge loss for her. This is my personal loss and a loss for Maharashtra.”
IANS
