'Purely an accident': NCP supremo Sharad Pawar urges people to not 'politicise' Ajit Pawar's death

On Wednesday (Jan 28), Maharashtra lost its Deputy Chief Minister and prominent leader, Ajit Pawar, in a tragic plane crash. Hours after, initial reports announced his death, there were murmurs across the country suggesting foul play. Putting an end to these unconfirmed reports, Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar issued a statement saying, his nephew’s death was "purely an accident" and should not be "politicised."

In his statement, the veteran leader said, "This is a huge loss for Maharashtra. Maharashtra has lost a dynamic and decisive leader. Some people are saying there is some politics behind this, but it was an accident, and there is no politics involved. Politics should not be brought into this."

Leaders from across the country expressed their grief over the untimely demised of Ajit Pawar, West Bengal CM wrote, “Deeply shocked and stunned by the suddden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family including his uncle Sharad Pawar ji, and late Ajitji's all friends and followers. The incident needs proper investigation.”

Congress leader, Mallikarjun Kharge posted on X, “The news of the tragic demise of Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash, is deeply shocking and profoundly distressing. It is an untimely loss of a leader who had a long and promising political career ahead. No words can adequately express the immense grief that the bereaved family must be enduring during this difficult hour. I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Pawar family, his supporters and well-wishers. Having served the people of Maharashtra in various constitutional capacities, Shri Ajit Pawar shall be remembered as a seasoned politcian who discharged his responsibilities towards his people with sincerity and astuteness. May his soul rest in peace.”

Tragic incident that claimed Ajit Pawar's life:

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister’s aircraft met with a tragic accident at the time of landing in his stronghold, Baramati. A trip to the region after his victory in the recently concluded election led to his death along with four others on board, which included the pilots, a flight attendant, and Pawar’s security personnel.

At the time of landing, the aircraft, Learjet 45XR, a twin-engine light business jet, which took off at 8:10 AM from Mumbai and was scheduled to land at 8:50 AM, crashed. Onlookers' accounts from around the crash site said that the flight was engulfed in flames.