28 January,2026 09:21 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Murlidhar Mohol said Ajit Pawar carved a unique identity for himself in the state`s politics over the past four decades. FILE PIC
Union Minister of State (MoS) Murlidhar Mohol on Wednesday expressed profound shock following Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar's death. Pawar, along with four others, died in a tragic plane crash at Baramati in Maharashtra's Pune district. Mohol, while paying a heartfelt tribute to Pawar, calling his demise an irreparable loss to the state's political and social life, news agency PTI reported.
Recalling his association with Pawar, Mohol said, "I'm truly at a loss for words right now. I worked with him for many years, and this is a profound shock. He was a popular leader from Maharashtra who had carved a unique identity for himself in the state's politics over the past four decades. He was known as a public representative with a strong grip on administration."
"I remember working with him in this city for 2.5 years during the COVID crisis. He was the president of the state's Olympic association, and I served as the vice-president alongside him. And today, Dada is no longer with us - this is extremely painful. This is a great loss for the social and political life of Maharashtra," he added.
Mohol further said that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief was among the few leaders who commanded respect across party lines.
"The thought that Dada will never return to us is also very painful. There were only a few leaders in Maharashtra politics who ruled the hearts of workers across all parties, whose leadership was always guiding and inspiring - that was Dada. It was my great fortune to have received so much of his guidance and support," Mohol added.
Expressing grief over Pawar's untimely demise, Mohol said, "I cannot even imagine the politics and social life of this district and Maharashtra without Dada. This is a loss for society, a loss for Maharashtra. This is a major blow to the Pawar family, but it is equally a blow to the political workers of Maharashtra. I don't know what to say today. The politics of this district and Maharashtra will remain incomplete without Dada. I don't even have the courage to use a word like 'tribute' for him."
According to DGCA, five people, including the crew of the chartered plane flying from Mumbai to Baramati, died after a crash-landing at 8.45 am on Wednesday.
The incident took place at the runway threshold in Baramati.
As a mark of respect, CM Devendra Fadnavis announced a state holiday and three days of mourning. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, CM Fadnavis said that the decision on Pawar's last rites will be made after consulting his family.
(With inputs from PTI)
