Tragedy Strikes Maharashtra: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash

India's prime minister has led tributes to Ajit Pawar, deputy chief minister of Maharashtra state, who has been killed in a plane crash in the west of the country. Pawar and four others died after the chartered plane they were travelling in crashed at the airport in Baramati - Pawar's constituency - on Wednesday morning.

The Indian civil aviation minister stated that visibility was poor at the time of the crash. An investigation has been launched by the aviation regulator. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Pawar's death as shocking and saddening and praised his service to the people of Maharashtra. His funeral is scheduled for Thursday morning.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called the death an immeasurable loss and announced three days of mourning in the state. Pawar, affectionately referred to as 'dada' (meaning elder brother in Marathi), was an influential leader who governed in coalition with India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The plane crash occurred while Pawar was traveling to address public meetings related to upcoming local elections. According to the aviation regulator, the aircraft involved was a Bombardier Learjet 45. It reportedly failed to respond to Air Traffic Control after being cleared for landing, and moments later burst into flames.

Pawar's passing leaves a significant void in Maharashtra's political arena, with many colleagues and members of the public expressing their grief. His political journey was marked by both loyalty and controversy, with a reputation for being both a shrewd administrator and a skilled orator.

In recent years, he had faced internal party conflicts but continued to play a vital role in Maharashtra's politics. His untimely demise raises questions about the future trajectory of the Nationalist Congress Party and the dynamics within the ruling alliance in Maharashtra.