'Leader of people’; Modi condoles Ajit Pawar's demise, Mamata Banerjee demands probe

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the unexpected demise of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar is shocking and sad. Modi responded via his X handle.

‘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.’

Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and sought the information of the accident.

Meantime, Priyanka Chaturvedi responded that Pawar’s demise is a great loss to the state. Priyanka told a national media that Pawar's dedication to public life was reflected in his daily routine. She added that even his political opponents have acknowledged his sincerity. Priyanka said that as someone who had the opportunity to work with him and saw how he works, she feels this is a big loss for Maharashtra.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has demanded an investigation into the plane crash that led to Ajit Pawar's death. She also expressed her deep sense of loss over his death.

Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash at Baramati in Maharashtra at 9 am today. All five people on board the plane had died. The flight crashed during an emergency landing at the Baramati airport in Pune. Sources close to the incident said the deputy chief minister was in Baramati by air to attend four public events. The accident involved a Learjet 45 aircraft operated by VSR.