New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) In a tragic incident, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, alongside five others, tragically lost their lives in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday morning. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that all six individuals on board were killed in this devastating crash.

Political figures from various parties have expressed their shock and sorrow over the unexpected loss of this senior leader.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan took to X to share, “The news of the untimely passing of Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and three others in the Baramati plane crash is profoundly heartbreaking. I extend my sincere condolences to the grieving families. Om Shanti.”

Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary remarked, “The tragic news of the passing of several individuals, including Honorable Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Ji, in the horrifying plane crash in Baramati is extremely distressing. May God bestow peace upon their souls and grant strength to the grieving families. Om Shanti!”

BJP leader Parvesh Verma also shared his sorrow, stating, “The news of the loss of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji is truly heart-wrenching. This represents an irreplaceable loss. May God grant peace to the departed and strength to their family, friends, and supporters during this time of grief. Om Shanti,” he expressed.

Reports indicate that the aircraft crashed while attempting to land near Baramati around 9 a.m., approximately one hour after departing from Mumbai. Visuals from the scene depicted flames, smoke, and the wreckage of the aircraft, with ambulances swiftly responding.

Local residents hurried to the scene to assist, while emergency services and senior security officials arrived promptly. A team from the DGCA is currently investigating the incident.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, chief of the Shiromani Akali Dal and former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, expressed his shock, stating, “I am saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Maharashtra Deputy CM & NCP chief Sh. Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati. My condolences go out to his family, supporters, and the people of Maharashtra. May God grant eternal peace to his soul.”

Mehbooba Mufti, president of the J&K PDP, also expressed her sorrow, writing, “I am deeply saddened by the reports of a tragic private plane crash that took the life of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and others. My sincere condolences to the grieving families. May the departed souls rest in peace.”

AAP leader Manish Sisodia remarked, “This news is devastating. The details surrounding the tragic loss of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and other passengers in the plane crash are immensely painful. The families are enduring this unbearable sorrow. May God grant them strength. My heartfelt condolences.”

BJP MP Naveen Jindal expressed, “I am profoundly saddened by the tragic passing of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji in the unfortunate aircraft accident near Baramati. My deepest sympathies to his family, colleagues, and supporters. I pray for the departed souls and strength for their loved ones during this time of mourning.”

Three bodies have been sent to Baramati Medical College, with identification processes currently underway, as confirmed by Pune Superintendent of Police (SP).

The family of Deputy CM Pawar rushed to the site, including his wife, party MP Sunetra Pawar, and son Parth Pawar. The Deputy CM was traveling to attend a public meeting in advance of the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala shared his grief, stating, “This is a loss beyond words! Om Shanti.”

Congress leader Kamal Nath also offered prayers for peace and strength, saying, “We have received the tragic news of the passing of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar in an airplane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. His demise is an irreplaceable loss to India’s political landscape. He dedicated his life to serving the people of Maharashtra. May God grant peace to his soul and strength to his family members during this difficult time. Om Shanti,” he wrote on X.

Ajit Pawar, a veteran Maharashtra leader, leaves behind a significant legacy of public service. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with officials examining both technical and procedural factors related to the incident.