Maharashtra has been in deep mourning since Deputy Chief minister Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane accident on Wednesday.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, expressed sadness over Pawar’s passing. He called it “shocking”, and thanked him for his many years of service to Maharashtra. Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, described Pawar’s loss as “immeasurable”. He declared three days in state mourning.
Amit Shah and Rahul Gandhi, both leaders in the opposition, as well as other politicians, have paid tribute to Pawar. Pawar’s supporters affectionately called him ‘Dada,’ meaning older brother.
What Was Ajit pawar?
Ajit Pawar has played an important role in Maharashtra’s politics for many decades. He was a key member of Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party. His career began at the grassroots, with unions and cooperative banks.
He held the seat for many years after being elected first from Baramati in 1991. He served Maharashtra as deputy chief minister for many years and led important ministries such as finance and agriculture.
Political turmoil marked his later years. He briefly served in the state BJP-led government of 2019 but soon returned to NCP. Pawar, who led the major split within the NCP in 2023 and helped form a coalition government, while maintaining the position of deputy chief minister, was the leader.
Plane Crash
The plane was cleared to land multiple times but did not respond to the air traffic controller. The plane crashed and caught on fire at the end of the runway, killing Pawar and 2 staff and 2 crew.
The Political Implication of Pawar’s Death
Ajit Pawar’s death has left a major gap in Maharashtra’s politics.Ajit Pawar played a major role in state and national politics.
Maharashtra could be more unstable if any of his legislators defected, even though the BJP government is able to function without them.
