Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Dies in Crash

Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, India’s richest state, has died following a tragic plane crash in Baramati. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning, also claimed the lives of four others aboard the aircraft. The specific cause of the crash has yet to be confirmed, with investigators arriving at the site to commence an inquiry.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are leading the investigation. Preliminary reports indicate that visibility at Baramati airport was poor at the time of landing. According to Federal Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, the aircraft had received clearance to land after several attempts but did not provide a response to Air Traffic Control moments before it went down, subsequently bursting into flames at the runway’s edge.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others, has expressed shock and condolences at the loss. Speaking about Pawar, he described him as a leader who maintained a strong connection with the people. “His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor were noteworthy,” Modi stated on social media.

Ajit Pawar had a long and influential political career, emerging from the shadow of his uncle, Sharad Pawar, the founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He had been a key figure in Maharashtra's politics, serving as both a Member of Parliament and a Member of the Legislative Assembly at different times. His political journey witnessed significant transformations, particularly his decision to break away from the NCP in 2023 and join the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, which resulted in a split within the party.

Political analysts suggest that his passing could create challenges for the NCP, particularly in maintaining unity among its members. Ajit was viewed as a stabilising figure, not just politically but also within his family, being the link that held together various factions.

Ajit Pawar's funeral is scheduled for Thursday morning, with several high-profile politicians, including Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, expected to attend. As Maharashtra enters three days of mourning, the future of the Nationalist Congress Party remains uncertain without its prominent leader.

Questions loom about how the party will navigate this loss, with discussions regarding a potential merger with the faction led by his cousin Supriya Sule, still fresh given their recent electoral performances. Ajit Pawar's death has put these political plans on hold, leaving analysts to ponder the implications for Maharashtra’s political landscape.

The crash has also shocked the families of the crew members. Pinky Mali, a member of the flight crew, has been remembered by family members who described her as diligent and professional, having worked on private chartered flights for several years.

Amidst the grief and shock, Ajit Pawar’s contributions to Maharashtra’s development and his connections with the electorate are being remembered by his constituents and political peers alike. His legacy and the future trajectory of the NCP will be keenly observed in the weeks to come, as political leaders seek to maintain stability in the wake of this tragedy.