Guwahati, Jan 28: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday expressed profound sorrow over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, describing him as an experienced leader whose work left an enduring mark on public life and governance.
In a message shared on X, Sarma said he was deeply pained by Pawar’s demise in a plane crash earlier in the day. He said Pawar had dedicated his life to public service and the welfare of the people, adding that his contributions to Maharashtra’s development and administration would be remembered for years to come. Sarma ended his message by praying for Pawar’s soul and extending condolences to the bereaved family.
Ajit Pawar, 66, and four others were killed when a chartered aircraft crashed in Pune district on Wednesday morning. Officials said the aircraft went down while attempting to land near Baramati, and there were no survivors. Pawar was travelling from Mumbai in connection with election-related programmes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the deaths, terming the incident a tragic air crash and expressing sympathy with the families of all those who lost their lives.
Authorities have initiated a detailed investigation into the accident, with officials examining possible technical and operational causes. Leaders from across the political spectrum described Pawar’s death as a shocking loss, recalling his decades-long role in public service and state politics.
