
A heavy sense of shock and disbelief swept through the country on Wednesday morning after news broke that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had died in a tragic charter aircraft crash near Pune.
The sudden loss of a senior political leader left both political and film circles reeling, as tributes and emotional reactions poured in from across the state.
Actor Riteish Deshmukh was among the first from the film industry to express his grief. Taking to social media, he shared a deeply personal note, remembering Ajit Pawar not just as a powerful political figure, but as someone who left a lasting impression on those he interacted with.
“Deeply shocked and terribly heartbroken to learn that we have lost Ajit Dada in a tragic accident,” Riteish Deshmukh wrote. He went on to describe Ajit Pawar as one of Maharashtra’s most influential leaders, praising his sharp wit, straightforward nature and zero tolerance for non-performance. Riteish Deshmukh also recalled the kindness Rohan had shown him over the years and extended his condolences to the Pawar family, close associates and supporters across the state.
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also reacted to the devastating news and appeared visibly shaken when asked about the tragedy. Struggling to process the information, she said, “Really? Oh my god that's horrible, this is a such a horrible news."
Kangana also mentioned that she was unaware about the news till now and will give a statement after her aligning her emotions.
Ajay Devgn mentioned, "Shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Hon. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this immense loss. Om Shanti"
Actor Jackky Bhagnani also took to his Instagram stories to share his condolences. He mentioned, The state deeply mourns the sudden loss of Shri. Ajit Pawar Sir, a leader who led himself with conviction, responsibility, and purpose. His invaluable contributions to public life will
always be remembered. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and loved ones
during this difficult time. Om Shanti."
According to PTI, Ajit Pawar was travelling with five others in a charter aircraft that crashed while attempting to land in the Baramati area of Pune district.
The aircraft reportedly went down during landing and burst into flames, with initial reports confirming that there were no survivors.
Emergency teams rushed to the site, but the intensity of the crash left little scope for rescue.
The tragic incident has plunged Maharashtra into mourning. Leaders from across party lines have expressed grief, remembering Ajit Pawar as a driven administrator and a demanding yet impactful leader.
Several have also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, seeking answers and accountability.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.