New Delhi, Jan 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu have expressed their condolences following the tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash at Baramati.

Calling him a leader with a strong grassroots connect, PM Modi described Pawar’s untimely death as “shocking and saddening.”

In a social media post on X, PM Modi said, “Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people with a strong grassroots connect. He was widely respected for his dedication to serving Maharashtra, empowering the poor, and his deep understanding of administrative matters. His untimely demise is shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

He also added, “Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief.”

President Murmu also posted on her social media X, “The news of the death of several people, including Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is extremely tragic. The untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji is an irreparable loss.”

The President said that Ajit Pawar will always be remembered for his “special contribution to the development of Maharashtra, especially in the cooperative sector.”

“I express my deep condolences to his family, supporters, and admirers. May God grant strength to the families of all others who lost their lives in this accident to bear this blow,” he said.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, along with five others, was killed when a plane carrying them crash-landed at Baramati Airport on Wednesday morning, DGCA officials confirmed.

The crash has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra, with leaders and citizens expressing grief over the loss of the Deputy Chief Minister.

Ajit Dada was campaigning for the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. Both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party had come together for these elections. Today, three campaign meetings were organized in Baramati taluka.

Ajit Pawar, born on 22nd July 1959 at Deolali Pravara in Rahuri taluka of Ahmednagar district, was a prominent political leader in Maharashtra, known for his dedication and dynamic leadership.