Jammu/Srinagar: The tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash has drawn widespread condolences from political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir, who described him as a seasoned administrator, a respected leader and one of the nation’s great sons.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed profound grief over the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar, who lost his life when a private aircraft crashed while attempting an emergency landing near Baramati in Pune district. In his condolence message, the Lieutenant Governor said he was shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of a widely respected leader who served Maharashtra with distinction and remained committed to the welfare of the people. He extended heartfelt condolences to Pawar’s family and admirers and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed deep sorrow over the incident, recalling his long association with the late Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader. Describing Ajit Pawar as an able administrator and a consummate political organiser, Abdullah said his loss would be deeply felt. In a post on X, he said he had known Pawar since his college days in Mumbai, when he stayed with Sharad Pawar and his family. He joined National Conference president Farooq Abdullah in conveying condolences to Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule and the entire family.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah termed Pawar’s death as a great loss to the nation. He said India had lost one of its great sons, whose contribution to Maharashtra and the country would never be forgotten. Expressing grief over the tragic incident, Abdullah said Pawar sincerely worked to change the destiny of his state and his demise was an irreparable loss not only to the Pawar family but to the entire nation. He prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti also expressed shock and sadness over Pawar’s death. In a post on X, she extended her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.
Ajit Pawar, 66, was among five people killed when the private aircraft they were travelling in crashed while attempting an emergency landing near Baramati Airfield on Wednesday morning. The NCP leader was en route from Mumbai to Baramati, where he was scheduled to address public meetings ahead of the February 5 zilla parishad elections in Maharashtra.
