A catastrophic plane crash in Baramati has claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, plunging the nation into mourning. The accident occurred early Wednesday, killing everyone on board and marking a dark day for Indian politics.

Condolences have flooded in from leaders, citizens, and sports icons alike. Sachin Tendulkar shared his grief on X, stating, ‘Heartbreaking news of Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise. Maharashtra loses a true dedicated leader who served the people relentlessly. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.’

Ajinkya Rahane posted: ‘Devastated by the loss of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar dada. My heartfelt sympathies to his family.’

Pawar’s illustrious career spanned decades. Hailing from a political dynasty, he was born in 1959 in Ahmednagar and groomed by uncle Sharad Pawar after losing his father young. Dropping out of college, he dove into politics full-time.

Debuting in 1982, Pawar rose rapidly: bank chairmanship, Lok Sabha MP, and then a string of assembly wins from Baramati. He served multiple stints as Deputy CM, managing critical sectors including irrigation mega-projects that revolutionized farming in drought-prone areas.

Under his stewardship, Baramati emerged as a model of progress, with robust cooperatives and infrastructure. Pawar’s personal life included a 1985 marriage to Sunetra and raising son Parth and daughter Jay.

The political vacuum left by Pawar is immense. Tributes highlight his role in empowering rural Maharashtra, ensuring his contributions resonate long after this tragedy. Flags fly at half-mast as the state reflects on a life cut short.