Did Mamata Banerjee Express Condolences for Ajit Pawar's Death and Demand a Probe into the Plane Crash?
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Kolkata, Jan 28 (NationPress) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences on Wednesday following the tragic passing of Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, in a plane crash. She shared her feelings of profound sadness over the unexpected loss of the prominent leader.
In a post on X, Banerjee conveyed, "I am deeply troubled by the sudden passing of Ajit Pawar. This morning, he and his fellow passengers tragically lost their lives in a devastating plane crash near Baramati, and I am left with a heavy heart."
The Chief Minister also emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive investigation into the events leading up to the crash.
"My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, especially to his uncle Sharad Pawar, and to all who mourn the loss of Ajitji. This incident warrants a thorough inquiry," she added.
Banerjee's statement came in light of the plane crash that occurred on Wednesday morning while Ajit Pawar was aboard a flight from Mumbai to Baramati. Alongside him, four others, including pilots and security personnel, also perished in the tragic accident.
The small aircraft took off from Mumbai at approximately 8 a.m. and crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport around 45 minutes later. Reports indicated that Pawar was scheduled to participate in four public meetings ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, also offered his condolences regarding Pawar's untimely death.
"I am deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic and premature passing of Shri Ajit Pawar Ji, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, in a plane crash near Baramati today," Adhikari stated in a social media post.
"Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics; determined, diligent, and genuinely devoted to the welfare of the people. His contributions to the state's progress, particularly in rural and agricultural sectors, and his role in fortifying the MahaYuti Alliance will be fondly remembered. This is an irreparable loss not only for the Nationalist Congress Party and Maharashtra but also for the National Democratic Alliance and Indian politics at large," the BJP leader remarked.
"I extend my sincere condolences to his family, especially the Pawar Parivar, and to his friends, colleagues, and supporters. My thoughts and prayers are also with the families of the other victims of this tragic air crash. May their souls find eternal peace," he added.