'Devastated': Supriya Sule, Eknath Shinde, PM Modi express grief over Ajit Pawar’s death

The NCP leader and four others onboard the aircraft died in the incident.

Political leaders across party lines expressed shock and grief on Wednesday after Maharashtra deputy chief minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati.

NCP leader and Ajit Pawar’s cousin, Supriya Sule, expressed shock over the untimely demise of the Maharashtra deputy chief minister, saying she was devastated by the loss.

Maharashtra Dy CM Eknath Shinde says," It is an unfortunate day for Maharashtra. This is a painful incident for us and the whole of Maharashtra. Ajit Dada was a man of his word. We worked as a team when I was the CM, and he was Dy CM. As team, we had started the Ladli Behen Yojana, and Ajit Dada played an important role in it."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati” and extended condolences to the families of those reported to have lost their lives. Remembering Pawar, the prime minister said he was a mass leader with a strong grassroots connect and a deep understanding of administration, adding that his commitment to public service and the welfare of the poor would be remembered.

Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief.

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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 28, 2026

President Droupadi Murmu described the incident as “extremely tragic” and said Ajit Pawar’s untimely demise was an irreparable loss. She said he would be remembered for his contribution to Maharashtra’s development, especially in the cooperative sector, and expressed condolences to his family, supporters and admirers.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said she was “deeply shocked and stunned” by Pawar’s death, calling it a major loss to public life. She extended condolences to his family, including NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar, and called for a proper investigation into the incident.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the news of Pawar’s demise had deeply shocked him. Recalling his public life, Singh said Pawar worked with dedication for Maharashtra’s development and was affectionately known as ‘Dada’ for his empathy and commitment to public service.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari termed the death “extremely shocking and heartbreaking”, saying Pawar’s administrative acumen, developmental vision and ability to connect with people gave him a unique place in Maharashtra’s politics. He called the loss irreplaceable not just for the state but for the nation.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said the news of Pawar’s death and that of his fellow travellers was extremely heartbreaking. He said he stood with the people of Maharashtra and extended condolences to the Pawar family during the hour of grief.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also expressed sorrow, offering condolences to Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule and the entire family, as well as to Ajit Pawar’s supporters.

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu said, "Shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji in a plane crash this morning. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and followers. Om Shanthi."

West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh termed the incident “tragic and shocking”, saying Pawar’s sudden demise in the prime of life was heartbreaking. He prayed for peace for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family.