India, tragically died in a plane crash along with four others on board, officials confirmed.The private plane was flying –
from Mumbai, India’s financial hub, to Baramati, Pawar’s hometown.
The aircraft crash-landed in an open field about 254 km (159 miles) from the state capital and caught fire.The cause of the crash remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
Who was Ajit Pawar?At 66 years old, Ajit Pawar was a major political figure and the second-highest elected official in Maharashtra, India’s wealthiest state.
He aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) –
in the state government after leading a faction that split from the opposition Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 2023.
He held significant influence in the state’s sugar-producing regions and was known for mobilizing rural voters.Born on July 22, 1959, Pawar began his political career with the Indian National Congress in the late 1980s, inspired by his uncle Sharad Pawar.
He was first elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in 1991, representing the Baramati constituency for eight terms.In 1999, when his uncle founded the NCP, Ajit Pawar joined and served multiple terms as Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister.
In 2019, he briefly left the NCP to join the BJP cabinet but returned later, leading a split within the NCP in 2023.By February
2024, his faction was officially recognized as the NCP by the Election Commission, and he was sworn in as deputy chief minister for the sixth time.
What is Pawar’s legacy?
Pawar was credited with major development projects, particularly in the Pimpri-Chinchwad region, including expanded roads and improved civic infrastructure.
Baramati saw significant modernization under his leadership, alongside his uncle Sharad Pawar.
However, Ajit Pawar faced allegations of corruption, including a major irrigation scam and a land deal controversy involving his son’s company.
Government inquiries remain inconclusive.How did Pawar die?The Learjet 45, operated by VSR Ventures,
attempted an emergency landing at Baramati airport, where Pawar was scheduled to campaign in local elections.
The plane crashed in an open field around 8:30 AM local time and exploded into flames.
Witnesses reported multiple explosions and intense fire, preventing rescue efforts.Pawar was accompanied by his personal security officer, an assistant, and two crew members.
The crash’s cause is under investigation.ReactionsPrime Minister Narendra Modi described Pawar as a “leader of the people” and expressed deep sorrow over his sudden passing.
Other leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, also shared condolences and remembered Pawar as a dedicated and influential politician.
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