28 January,2026 03:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday expressed profound grief over the death of his fellow Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash while an aircraft was landing near Baramati. Shinde said the tragic aircraft accident that claimed Pawar's life would be thoroughly probed.
Speaking to reporters before leaving for Baramati, Shinde described the incident as deeply painful and unfortunate for the state. "It is a very painful incident⦠very sad and unfortunate for Maharashtra. The aircraft accident will be probed," he said, adding that Pawar's death was both a personal loss and a major blow to the state's political and administrative leadership.
"Today, I feel as though I have lost my elder brother. Ajit Pawar was not just a leader; he was a knowledgeable personality who valued time and had a strong grip over administration," Shinde said, visibly emotional.
The tragic incident has cast a pall of gloom across Maharashtra, with tributes pouring in from political, social and administrative circles. Shinde said he immediately decided to travel to Baramati after receiving the news of the crash.
Recalling their long association, Shinde lauded Pawar's contribution to public life, noting that they had served together in different cabinets. He also recalled that Pawar was his deputy when he headed the Maharashtra government between 2022 and 2024. "We worked together for many years. He would begin work at the crack of dawn - I have personally seen him issuing instructions as early as six in the morning. He spoke only after thoroughly studying every issue. Though blunt by nature, at heart he was extremely pure," Shinde said.
He added that Pawar's role during cabinet discussions, especially on the state's financial condition, was marked by realism and clarity. "He always presented the ground reality and suggested the right course. His experience, depth of study and command over administration were guiding lights for all of us," Shinde noted.
The Deputy Chief Minister said he had met Pawar just a day or two earlier at a programme, making the loss even more difficult to accept. "This loss is not just of the Pawar family but of the entire state. I am feeling as if I have lost my elder brother," he said, paying heartfelt tributes.
With Pawar's demise, Maharashtra has lost a fearless, dynamic and experienced leader, whose work and administrative legacy, leaders across party lines said, will be remembered for years to come.
