Bhopal, Jan 28 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a humble leader whose impact on development was profound, offering sincere condolences.

“The esteemed Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Ajit Pawar, was unwavering in his commitment to assisting the poor, the underprivileged, and marginalized communities. His contributions to the progress of Maharashtra were significant. He was a leader who resonated deeply with the populace. I extend my heartfelt sympathies on his unexpected passing,” CM Mohan Yadav stated on his X account.

Prominent Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh shared similar feelings, emphasizing Pawar's lifelong devotion to serving the citizens and the disadvantaged.

“The heartbreaking news of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, tragically losing his life in a plane crash in Baramati brings immense sorrow. His departure has created an irreparable void in Indian politics. He dedicated his entire existence to the welfare of the people of Maharashtra,” former Chief Minister Kamal Nath mentioned on his X account.

As tributes continue to flood in from all political factions, the incident has created a significant gap in Maharashtra's leadership, with many remembering Pawar as a diligent worker who united various sectors for the state's advancement.

Investigations are currently in progress to ascertain the details surrounding the incident, as the nation copes with the abrupt loss of a significant figure in regional politics.

A tragedy unfolded in Maharashtra on Wednesday when Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life in a plane crash near Baramati in Pune district, alongside four others aboard.

The 66-year-old leader, known for his dedication to administration and advocacy for the underprivileged, was en route from Mumbai to his hometown for public meetings in anticipation of the forthcoming Zilla Parishad elections.

The chartered Learjet 45 aircraft, with the registration VT-SSK, operated by VSR, took off from Mumbai at approximately 8:10 a.m. It made a second landing attempt at Baramati Airport around 8:45 a.m. but lost control, crashing before the runway in an adjacent field.

Witnesses recalled seeing the aircraft veer off track prior to impact, igniting flames immediately upon crashing and engulfing the wreckage.

All five individuals—including the Deputy CM, his personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members—were confirmed deceased by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has initiated an inquiry into the incident's cause, dispatching teams to the scene.

Ajit Pawar, nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar and a pivotal member of the Nationalist Congress Party, cultivated his career through grassroots cooperative movements in Maharashtra.

Having received education up to the secondary level, he progressed through local governance, holding multiple ministerial positions and earning a reputation for decisive leadership focused on rural development, irrigation initiatives, and welfare programs.

In 2023, he led a factional split within the NCP, aligning with the NDA to assume the role of Deputy Chief Minister, although recent months indicated signs of reconciliation within the Pawar family.