Ajit Pawar's Tragic Plane Crash: Last Rites Today

Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, tragically lost his life in a plane crash, leading to widespread mourning across the state. His sudden demise has left a significant void in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Ajit Pawar was a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and had a rich legacy in Indian politics.

The plane crash occurred in Baramati town, shortly after takeoff from Mumbai. The Learjet 45 was scheduled to land in Baramati for Pawar to address rallies for upcoming rural body elections. Eyewitnesses reported flames near the runway moments before the crash, raising serious concerns about the flight's operator and the airstrip's condition.

Ajit Pawar's final rites are set to take place today at 11 am at Vidya Pratishthan, an educational institution founded by the Pawar family. The ceremony will be held with full state honors, and it is expected that prominent leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend.

As mourners gather at the grounds in Baramati, supporters have been chanting “Ajit dada amar rahe,” expressing their love and respect for the late leader. This has further highlighted Pawar's influence in the region and among his supporters.

The Nationalist Congress Party has requested that the tragic incident not be politicized, as Sharad Pawar, Ajit's uncle and party chief, emphasized that the crash was a tragic accident. He urged the public to refrain from speculation about political motives behind the accident.

Ajit Pawar's political career began in 1982 when he was elected to the board of a sugar factory. Over the years, he held various significant positions, including serving as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister six times. His legacy includes a strong dedication to the development of his constituency and impactful governance.

As the investigation into the crash continues, questions regarding aviation safety and the aircraft's operator have arisen, especially given the aircraft’s troubled history. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to provide further details as the situation develops.

The loss of Ajit Pawar is not just a personal tragedy for his family but also a significant loss for the political arena in Maharashtra. He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, and their two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar.