‘I have lost a strong and large-hearted friend’: CM Devendra Fadnavis pays tribute to Ajit Pawar

The Maharashtra chief minister said Ajit Pawar was a politician who knew every nook and corner of Maharashtra. “He was very well versed with the state’s problems. He was a good administrator with vast experience and knowledge.”

Fadnavis said Ajit Pawar rose through the ranks through hard work and struggle. “He was someone who could take on challenges in every circumstance without wavering. It takes several years to evolve into such leadership. He was deeply connected to the masses,” he added.

“Today, with his sudden demise, everybody is in grief across Maharashtra, especially his party, the NCP. At these difficult times, we stand by them.

The Maharashtra CM said he apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the news of Ajit Pawar’s death in the plane crash. “They expressed shock and grief.”

He said further arrangements will be made after consulting the Pawar family, adding he and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde will go to Baramati.

The Maharashtra Government declared three days of state mourning following the death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. As a mark of respect, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the state from January 28 to 30, and no official entertainment will be held during this period. All state government offices will be closed Wednesday.

Detailed probe into matter: Eknath Shinde

Deputy Chief minister Eknath Shinde said that Ajit Pawar’s passing was extremely unfortunate and a deeply sad moment Shinde announced that the government will conduct a detailed investigation into the matter.

“Our colleague has lost his life. The government will conduct a thorough investigation into the plane crash so that such accidents do not happen again. Ajit Pawar was leading the state. He was straightforward and had a strong grip on the administration. He spoke only after taking detailed information on issues and often admitted mistakes. He was kind at heart. I worked with him in the Cabinet—he was Deputy Chief Minister when I was Chief Minister. When schemes like Ladki Bahin were launched, he handled the state’s finances very efficiently. Once he took a decision, he would see it through. He said ‘yes’ or ‘no’ very clearly. We worked as a team with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. He started work early, even at 6 am, meeting people and officers. He was more experienced than me and always stressed financial discipline and austerity. This is not just a loss to the Pawar family; it is an irreparable loss to Maharashtra,” Shinde said.