Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed in a horrific plane crash on Wednesday morning — prompting an outpouring of grief from all quarters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the NCP chief as a “leader of the people” as he voiced shock over the incident. The Pawar family bastion has also been plunged into mourning as shops and markets closed soon after the news broke.

“Ajit Pawar 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,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X.

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“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,” he added.

“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,” added Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Baramati plunges into mourning

Shops and markets across Baramati taluka closed their doors as the news broke on Wednesday morning. A large crowd of NCP workers have gathered outside Baramati Medical College and MLA Rohit Pawar was seen crying as he reached the hospital.

‘Entire NDA stands with Pawar family’

Home Minister Amit Shah said the news of Pawar’s death had “left his heart deeply distressed”. The senior BJP leader also dubbed his sudden demise a personal loss for himself as well as the NDA family.

“The way Ajit Pawar 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…I express my deepest condolences to the Pawar family. In this hour of grief, the entire NDA stands firmly with the bereaved Pawar family,” he wrote in Hindi.