In brief
Ajit Pawar, a prominent figure in Maharashtra's politics and deputy chief minister, has died in a plane crash while traveling for public meetings. The incident has left a significant void in Maharashtra's political future and elicited emotional tributes from across the spectrum. An investigation into the crash is underway.
Ajit Pawar, India's Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, was tragically killed in a plane crash in Baramati, his constituency, along with four others. The aircraft, a Bombardier Learjet 45, reportedly crashed while attempting to land in poor visibility conditions on Wednesday morning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders expressed shock and sadness over the loss, with tributes highlighting Pawar's significant contributions to the state’s politics.
Pawar served as deputy chief minister multiple times and had a reputation for being a shrewd administrator and skilled orator. His death is seen as an immeasurable loss to Maharashtra, where he had spent decades building a strong connection with the voters. The incident has sparked concerns about political stability, as his departure could disrupt the current ruling coalition.
The aviation ministry is investigating the circumstances of the crash, emphasizing the lack of response from the aircraft to Air Traffic Control just before the accident.
