‘Shocking’, ‘irreparable loss’: Leaders across party lines condole Ajit Pawar’s death in Baramati plane crash

Pawar was en-route from Mumbai to Pune to attend four campaign rallies for the ongoing Zilla Parishad elections. Elections to 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis in Maharashtra will be held on February 5, with counting of votes scheduled for February 7.

PM Modi condoles Pawar’s demise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Pawar’s demise and expressed shock over the fatal aircraft crash.

“Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” he wrote in a post on X.

Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and… pic.twitter.com/mdgwwGzw4R

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 28, 2026

‘Lost a strong and generous friend’: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over Pawar’s demise, saying that he lost a “strong and generous friend.”

“This morning, a very tragic incident occurred. In extremely unforeseen circumstances, the news of the unfortunate demise of our state’s deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar, in an aircraft accident reached everyone, spreading a wave of grief across Maharashtra. For Maharashtra, today is an extremely difficult day. Such leadership takes many years to develop, and at a time when he was making very significant contributions to the state’s development, his passing is both unbelievable and shocking. Personally, I have lost a strong and generous friend. This is also an enormous loss for his family,” he said.

VIDEO | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expresses grief over the demise of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in an aircraft crash. He says, “This morning, a very tragic incident occurred. In extremely unforeseen circumstances, the news of the unfortunate demise of our state’s deputy chief… pic.twitter.com/sKIKJ5FvRW

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026

‘Personal loss’: Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the news about the BJP’s senior NDA colleague’s demise had left his heart deeply distressed, terming it a “personal loss”.

“The way Ajit Pawar ji dedicated himself to the welfare of every section of society in Maharashtra over the past three and a half decades cannot be expressed in words. Whenever we met, he would engage in long discussions on numerous issues related to the welfare of the people of Maharashtra. His passing is a personal loss not only for the NDA family but also for me,” Shah stated.

आज एक दुःखद हादसे में महाराष्ट्र के उपमुख्यमंत्री और NDA के हमारे वरिष्ठ साथी अजीत पवार जी को खो देने की सूचना से मन अत्यंत व्यथित है।

अजीत पवार जी ने बीते साढ़े तीन दशकों में जिस प्रकार महाराष्ट्र के हर वर्ग के कल्याण के लिए खुद को समर्पित किया, उसे शब्दों में व्यक्त नहीं किया…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 28, 2026

‘Extremely tragic’: Droupadi Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu condoled the passing of Pawar.

In a post on X, she said, “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. He 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.”

महाराष्ट्र के बारामती में एक विमान दुर्घटना में महाराष्ट्र के उप मुख्यमंत्री, श्री अजित पवार समेत कई लोगों की मृत्यु का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद है। अजित पवार जी का असामयिक निधन एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। उन्हें महाराष्ट्र के विकास में, विशेषकर सहकारी क्षेत्र में, विशेष योगदान के लिए सदैव…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 28, 2026

‘Unfortunate day for Maharashtra’: Maharashtra Dy CM Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra Dy CM Eknath Shinde said, “It is an unfortunate day for Maharashtra. This is a painful incident for su and whole of Maharashtra. Ajit Dada was a man of his word. We worked as a team when I was the CM, and he was Dy CM. As team we had started the Ladli Behen Yojana, and Ajit dada played an important role in it.” He further said that the plane crash will be probed.

#WATCH | Delhi | On the passing away of his colleague Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra Dy CM Eknath Shinde says,” It is an unfortunate day for Maharashtra. This is a painful incident for su and whole of Maharashtra. Ajit Dada was a man of his word. We worked as a team when I was the CM,… pic.twitter.com/6eVGza16Uo

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2026

‘Extremely heartbreaking’: Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in a post on X, said, “The news of the demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and his fellow travelers in an airplane accident today is extremely heartbreaking. In this moment of grief, I stand with the people of Maharashtra. I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and their loved ones during this hour of sorrow.”

महाराष्ट्र के उप मुख्यमंत्री श्री अजित पवार जी और उनके सहयात्रियों की आज हवाई जहाज दुर्घटना में निधन का समाचार अत्यंत पीड़ादायक है।

इस शोक के पल में महाराष्ट्र की जनता के साथ हूं। समस्त पवार परिवार और प्रियजनों को इस दुख की घड़ी में अपनी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूं।

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 28, 2026

‘Profoundly painful’: Nitin Nabin

BJP National President Nitin Nabin took to his official X account and said, “The tragic and heartbreaking incident of the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar in an aeroplane crash that occurred in Baramati is profoundly painful. From the time Ajit Pawar became active in public life, he prioritised the development of Maharashtra and decisions in the public interest. He was always a leader deeply connected to the grassroots. May his departed soul attain peace, and may his family and supporters be granted the strength to bear this immense sorrow. This is my prayer at the feet of the Lord. In this hour of grief, the entire NDA family stands firmly with the Pawar family”.

महाराष्ट्राचे उपमुख्यमंत्री श्री अजित पवार यांचा बारामती येथे झालेल्या विमान अपघातात आकस्मिक आणि दुःखद मृत्यू झाल्याची घटना प्रचंड वेदनादायी आहे.

अजित पवारांनी सार्वजनिक जीवनात सक्रिय झाल्यापासून महाराष्ट्राचा विकास आणि जनहिताच्या निर्णयांना प्राथमिकता दिली. ते नेहमी जमिनीशी… pic.twitter.com/lWykBH0YFn

— Nitin Nabin (@NitinNabin) January 28, 2026

‘Deeply shocked’: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoled the demise of Pawar, describing him as the leader who was known for “his compassion and unwavering dedication to public service”.

“Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar. Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion for the people and his unwavering dedication to public service. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers,” he said in a post on X.

Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar.

Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion for the people and his…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 28, 2026

‘We are in pain and grief,’ says Union Minister Piyush Goyal

Union Minister Piyush Goyal, reacting to Pawar’s demise, said, “We are in pain and grief… He was my close friend and held an important position in our government. He was a great leader of Maharashtra and is no longer with us. My deepest sympathy goes to all his family members and followers. I pray to God to give strength to his family members to cope with this difficult time.”

#WATCH | Delhi: On Demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, “… We are in pain and grief… He was my close friend and held an important position in our government. He was a great leader of Maharashtra and is no longer with us. My deepest… pic.twitter.com/oOvW3BAptt

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2026

‘Deeply pained’: Tejashwi Yadav

Tejashwi Yadav said that he was deeply pained by the news of Pawar’s demise and expressed condolences.

“Deeply pained and stunned by the news of the sudden demise of Deputy CM of Maharashtra Sh. Ajit Pawar! My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and followers,” he wrote in a post on X.

‘Deeply saddened,’ Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, in a post on X, said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Shri Ajit Pawar in the plane crash in Baramati earlier today. My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this loss. May his contributions to public life be remembered, and may the bereaved find strength in this difficult time.”

Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Shri Ajit Pawar in the plane crash in Baramati earlier today. My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this loss. May his contributions to public life be remembered, and may the bereaved find strength in…

— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) January 28, 2026

‘Irreparable loss’: Giriraj Singh

Union Minister Giriraj Singh said that Pawar’s demise was an “irreparable loss”.

“This is a heart-rending incident. May God give strength to the affected families…He was not just the Deputy CM of Maharashtra but also a well-known politician in the country. This is an irreparable loss,” Singh said.

‘Feeling a deep sense of loss’: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, in a post on X, said, “Deeply shocked and stunned by the suddden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family including his uncle Sharad Pawar ji, and late Ajitji’s all friends and followers. The incident needs proper investigation.”

Deeply shocked and stunned by the suddden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss.

My condolences to his family including his uncle…

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 28, 2026

‘Dark day in Maharashtra’s political life’: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said, “This is very sad and tragic news. Today is a dark day in Maharashtra’s political and social life. When the news came this morning that the plane carrying Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar from Mumbai to Baramati had met with an accident, we were all praying for his safety. His passing has brought a mountain of grief upon Maharashtra. There was a special bond between Baramati and him, and it is a strange coincidence that he passed away there. I never imagined that we would have to pay tribute to him like this.”

VIDEO | Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar’s demise and the death of five others in an aircraft crash says, “This is very sad and tragic news. Today is a dark day in Maharashtra’s political and social life. When the news came this morning… pic.twitter.com/QSNpevmhkP

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026

‘Have also spoken to Supriya ji and his wife’: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “This is very sad news. From our side, we extend our condolences and sympathies to the entire Pawar family and all their supporters. I have also spoken to Supriya ji and his wife.”

VIDEO | On the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in an aircraft crash, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, “This is very sad news. From our side, we extend our condolences and sympathies to the entire Pawar family and all their supporters. I have also… pic.twitter.com/A0OElhcGS9

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026

‘Deeply pained’: Kiren Rijiju

Union Minister, Kiren Rijiju said in a post on X, “Deeply pained to learn about the untimely demise of Hon’ble DyCM of Maharashtra, Shri Ajit Pawar ji. He always stood with the people, working tirelessly for the growth & prosperity of Maharashtra. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones & supporters. ॐ शांति।।”

Deeply pained to learn about the untimely demise of Hon’ble DyCM of Maharashtra, Shri Ajit Pawar ji.
He always stood with the people, working tirelessly for the growth & prosperity of Maharashtra.
My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones & supporters.

ॐ शांति।। pic.twitter.com/vluyTq1Dn0

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) January 28, 2026

‘Shocked and deeply saddened’: Andhra Pradesh CM

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu said, “Shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji in a plane crash this morning. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and followers. Om Shanthi.”

Shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji in a plane crash this morning. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and followers. Om Shanthi. pic.twitter.com/w6xN3oMWqQ

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) January 28, 2026

‘The death of Ajit Pawar is extremely sad and unfortunate’: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “The death of Ajit Pawar is extremely sad and unfortunate. For the past 40 years, he has been a very close friend of mine in Maharashtra politics. I shared familial relations with him as well. His passing is a huge loss.”

VIDEO | Delhi: On the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in an aircraft crash, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari says, “The death of Ajit Pawar is extremely sad and unfortunate. For the past 40 years, he has been a very close friend of mine in Maharashtra politics.… pic.twitter.com/itFCruONnu

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026

Later, in a post on X, he said, “The news of the sudden demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji is extremely shocking, unfortunate, and heartbreaking. My heartfelt tribute to him. Over the past many years, while working together in the state legislature, I shared an extremely close bond with Ajit dada. His administrative acumen, developmental vision, and innate ability to connect with people have ensured that Ajit dada always holds an unassailable position in Maharashtra’s politics. The untimely passing of this people’s leader, who harbored aspirations for Maharashtra’s development, is not just a loss for Maharashtra but an irreplaceable one for the entire nation. On this sorrowful occasion, my condolences are with the entire Pawar family. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti.”

महाराष्ट्राचे उपमुख्यमंत्री अजित पवार जी यांच्या अपघाती निधनाचे वृत्त अतिशय धक्कादायक, दुर्दैवी आणि दुःखद आहे. त्यांना माझी भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली. गेली अनेक वर्षं राज्याच्या विधिमंडळात सोबत काम करताना अजितदादांशी अतिशय जवळचा संबंध राहिला आहे. त्यांचे प्रशासनिक कौशल्य, विकासात्मक…

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) January 28, 2026

‘Deeply shocking and profoundly distressing’: Mallikarjun Kharge

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, in a post on X, said, “The news of the tragic demise of Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash, is deeply shocking and profoundly distressing. It is an untimely loss of a leader who had a long and promising political career ahead. No words can adequately express the immense grief that the bereaved family must be enduring during this difficult hour. I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Pawar family, his supporters and well-wishers. Having served the people of Maharashtra in various constitutional capacities, Shri Ajit Pawar shall be remembered as a seasoned politician who discharged his responsibilities towards his people with sincerity and astuteness. May his soul rest in peace.”

The news of the tragic demise of Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash, is deeply shocking and profoundly distressing. It is an untimely loss of a leader who had a long and promising political career ahead.

No words can adequately express the immense grief that the bereaved family…

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) January 28, 2026