Kerala : Assembly Pays Tribute to Ajit Pawar After Fatal Baramati Plane Crash
Kerala : Legislative Assembly on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar, who was killed earlier in the day when a small aircraft carrying him and four others crash-landed in Baramati, Pune district. The news cast a pall over the Assembly proceedings, with leaders across party lines acknowledging Pawar’s long public career and influence in national politics.
Assembly Observes Silence in Mourning
Speaker A. N. Shamseer formally informed the House about the incident soon after the session began. As a mark of respect, members stood in silence for a few moments, paying tribute to the senior leader whose death was described as a major loss to public life. The Speaker noted that Pawar had maintained political associations across states and was well known beyond Maharashtra.
Governor and Chief Minister Express Condolences
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar conveyed his condolences through an official message, offering sympathy to Pawar’s family, colleagues, and the people of Maharashtra. He said he hoped the departed leader would attain spiritual peace.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also expressed grief, stating that he was deeply saddened by the tragic accident in Baramati. In a message shared on social media, Vijayan recalled Pawar’s role in Maharashtra’s development and extended condolences to his family, political associates, and supporters during what he described as a time of immense loss.
Emotional Response From Political Colleagues
Nationalist Congress Party leader and Kerala Minister for Forests and Wildlife A. K. Saseendran spoke emotionally about his personal bond with Pawar. Describing him as a brother-like figure, Saseendran said their meetings were always marked by warmth and affection. Struggling to contain his emotions while speaking to the media, he said the loss was deeply painful and prayed for strength for Pawar’s family and followers to cope with the tragedy.
Details of the Aircraft Accident
According to a statement issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the accident involved a small chartered aircraft that departed from Mumbai at around 8 a.m. The plane attempted to land near Baramati approximately 45 minutes later, during which it crash-landed close to the airport. All five people on board, including Ajit Pawar, lost their lives. Authorities said further investigations were underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.
A Long Political Career
Ajit Pawar was among Maharashtra’s most prominent political figures and held the post of Deputy Chief Minister multiple times over several decades. He served six non-consecutive terms in the role under different administrations, working alongside chief ministers such as Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde. Known for his administrative experience, Pawar played a significant role in state governance and policy-making.
National Leaders React to the Tragedy
President Droupadi Murmu described the accident as extremely tragic and said Pawar’s untimely death was an irreparable loss. In her message, she highlighted his contribution to Maharashtra’s development, particularly in the cooperative sector, and offered condolences to the families of all those who died in the crash.
The Maharashtra government said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to receive updates on the incident. In his condolence message, the Prime Minister remembered Pawar as a grassroots leader with a strong connection to the people, noting his commitment to public service and concern for marginalized communities.