Leaders cutting across party lines attended the funeral, reflecting Ajit Pawar’s towering influence in Maharashtra politics. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Nitin Nabin, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and former Union Minister Sharad Pawar were among those present.
Several Chief Ministers, state ministers, MPs, and senior officials also attended. Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP, stood alongside family members as the State accorded its highest ceremonial honours.
Tragic Crash Near Home Turf
Ajit Pawar was killed on Wednesday morning when a Bombardier Learjet 45 aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airstrip. The chartered jet, operated by VSR Ventures, was en route from Mumbai for Pawar’s scheduled public meetings ahead of the February 5 zilla parishad elections.
Four others, including Pawar’s personal security officer, also lost their lives in the crash. Preliminary information from the Ministry of Civil Aviation indicated that visibility was poor during landing, and the aircraft had attempted a go-around moments before the crash.
Black Box Recovered, Probe Intensifies
The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that the aircraft’s black box has been recovered, a crucial development in determining the exact cause of the accident. Teams from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and forensic experts have reached the crash site to conduct a detailed technical investigation.
Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report, while aviation authorities have assured a transparent and time-bound inquiry. Political leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have demanded a thorough probe to address recurring charter aircraft accidents.
A Political Legacy Marked by Power and Controversy
Ajit Pawar’s political journey spanned over 40 years, evolving from Sharad Pawar’s nephew to Maharashtra’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister. Known for his administrative grip and blunt style, he played a pivotal role in shaping the State’s irrigation, finance, and cooperative sectors.
His career, however, was also marked by dramatic rebellions, political realignments, and allegations of corruption. Despite controversies, Pawar retained immense grassroots support, particularly in Baramati, often described as the fortress of the Pawar family.
State and Nation in Mourning
Tributes poured in from across India, with leaders describing Pawar as a disciplined, tireless administrator. Villagers in Katewadi and Baramati called his death an irreplaceable loss, especially for farmers and cooperative workers who benefitted from his development model.
As Maharashtra mourns one of its most influential leaders, questions remain over aviation safety at small airstrips used frequently by VIPs. The findings of the ongoing investigation are expected to have far-reaching implications.