Maharashtra politics suffered a body blow Wednesday as Deputy CM Ajit Pawar died in a horrific plane crash at Baramati. The small aircraft, carrying the prominent leader, circled the runway twice before nosediving into catastrophe around 8:45 AM, exploding on impact.
Chilling accounts from the scene reveal the intensity. ‘A massive blast shook everything; the plane was fully ablaze,’ shared eyewitness Nikita Atolle. Raju, who witnessed the descent, noted the desperate local efforts to combat the fire pre-arrival of emergency services.
In a heartbreaking twist, Pawar’s identity was confirmed by his signature watch amidst charred remains. ‘Looking at the watch, we realized it was Ajit Dada himself,’ one observer recounted. Monomali Prakash described arriving to thick smoke and the grim task of body recovery by police.
The news prompted an outpouring of sorrow. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called it ‘a heart-wrenching event,’ praising Pawar as ‘my steadfast ally and a leader rooted in the masses.’ PM Narendra Modi conveyed condolences, recognizing Pawar’s decades of service.
En route for crucial election activities, Pawar’s untimely end disrupts ongoing campaigns. Baramati, his stronghold, is in mourning. Experts speculate on factors like weather or mechanical failure, with black box analysis pending.
Pawar’s journey from cooperative banking to state leadership shaped Maharashtra’s irrigation policies profoundly. Allies remember his charisma and determination. As investigations probe the cause, the nation reflects on this profound loss, urging enhanced air travel safeguards for VIPs.