Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday described the plane crash that killed his nephew, Ajit Pawar, as a tragic accident and urged that it should not be politicised, reported the PTI. Speaking to reporters, Sharad Pawar said Ajit Pawar’s death was a major shock for Maharashtra and described him as a hardworking and efficient leader whose loss was “irreparable”. He added, “Not all things are in our hands,” the news agency reported. Sharad Pawar appeared to respond indirectly to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the crash. He said there was no politics involved and urged people not to make political claims about the incident. “A stand was floated from Kolkata that there is some politics involved in this incident. But there is nothing like this. There is no politics in it. It was an accident. I request not to bring politics into it,” he said. Mamata Banerjee seeks SC-monitored probe Mamata Banerjee has argued that existing agencies are compromised and only a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the aircraft crash would be credible. She claimed the truth would not emerge through current mechanisms. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, supported Banerjee’s demand for an independent investigation. Several opposition leaders, including Kharge, stated that Banerjee’s demand for a court-monitored probe was valid. Crash should be probed: Congress Kharge said the crash should be investigated as it was a serious incident. He questioned why a small plane crashed when larger aircraft have had similar accidents in the past. He also offered condolences and said Ajit Pawar’s death was a great loss, according to the PTI. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said Banerjee’s demand was justified and called for an impartial inquiry, citing previous similar incidents involving VIPs, reported the PTI. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai also urged a thorough investigation, noting the rising number of private and chartered flights and the recurring technical issues reported after accidents, the news agency reported. Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash: Follow LIVE Updates here Ministers reject political claims Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticised Banerjee’s remarks, calling them “dirty politics” and unfair during a time of mourning. He said such comments should have waited until after the last rites and accused her of acting for political gain, according to the PTI. BJD Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra said the Pune incident should be fully investigated. (with PTI inputs)
28 January,2026 07:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn view of enhancing commuter convenience and strengthening suburban rail connectivity, Western Railway (WR) will introduce four additional 12-car non-AC suburban train services from February 1. With the addition of 12 new suburban trains, the total number of suburban services on the Western Railway will rise from 1,406 to 1,410. According to the officials from Western Railways, the expansion has been made possible following the completion of construction work on the sixth railway line between Kandivali and Borivali. They also highlighted that the commissioning of the new line has enabled the shifting of all Bandra Terminus-bound suburban services to the 5th and 6th lines between Borivali and Bandra Terminus that will significantly improve operational efficiency and traffic management. Out of the four new local trains on the Western Line, two will operate in the UP direction and two in the DOWN direction. UP direction trains: Bhayandar to Bandra, departing at 11:39 am Bhayandar to Churchgate, departing at 12:14 pm DOWN direction trains: Bandra to Bhayandar, departing at 04:30 am Bandra to Bhayandar, departing at 01:21 pm Western Railway, while issuing the official statement, also said that the induction of these services will also lead to minor changes in the timings of certain existing suburban trains. Passengers have been advised to take note of the revised schedules to avoid inconvenience. The introduction of these additional services is expected to ease congestion, improve connectivity, and provide smoother travel for thousands of daily commuters across the Western Railway suburban network. Western Railway to install CCTV at 200 suburban locations Following the rise in cases of passenger misbehavior and assault on ticket-checking staff, the Western Railway (WR) is installing a complete CCTV network at nearly 200 locations across the suburban network. It will also help the vigilance department to monitor ticket-checking operations.Railway officials, while highlighting the safety measures, said, “The Mumbai Central Division of Western Railway is rolling out CCTV coverage worth Rs 25.81 crore across ticketing offices, counters, and passenger interface areas.” Official records show that CCTV cameras will be installed at 29 Passenger Reservation System (PRS) centers at stations and 31 Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS)-cum-PRS stations at a cost of Rs 7.12 crore, strengthening security at some of the most crowded ticketing locations on the Mumbai suburban railway network.
28 January,2026 07:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe father of flight attendant Pinky Mali, who was on board the ill-fated aircraft that crashed near Baramati, killing five people including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar, said his daughter had promised to speak to him "tomorrow"— a moment that will never come. Expressing his grief, Mali's father Shivkumar broke down as he recalled the last conversation he had with his daughter. A resident of Prabhadevi in Central Mumbai, Shivkumar said his daughter had informed him about her travel to Baramati. She reportedly told him, "Pappa, I am flying to Baramati tomorrow (Wednesday) with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. After dropping him, I will go to Nanded and call you once I reach the hotel," according to news agency PTI. Pinky Mali was an attendant on Learjet 46, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, which crash-landed at Baramati airport. Shivkumar further said that her daughter had flown with the President, various chief ministers as well as several political leaders. He also stated that his daughter was flying with Pawar for the fourth time, PTI reported. "I spoke to her last evening, and she told me that she would be going to Baramati with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and would then proceed to Nanded. I told her, 'Let us speak tomorrow after your duty.' But that tomorrow will never come," Shivkumar added with a very heavy voice. Ajit Pawar death: Attendant's father was also an NCP activist Shivkumar, who is a member of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) that Pawar headed, said a local politician named Samadhan Sarvankar informed him about the plane crash. He said, "I switched on the television. The news left me shocked.” Shivkumar and Mali had last met on January 16, when she visited Prabhadevi from Thane to cast her vote in the civic polls. Mali had been working as a flight attendant for the past five years. She began her career with Air India and moved to private chartered flights after a couple of years, said her father. "During a recent flight with Ajit Pawar, my daughter complained to him that he was travelling across Maharashtra but was not paying attention to NCP activists. When Pawar asked her why she felt so, Pinky told him that "I have been an NCP worker for 35 years," stated Shivkumar. "As I was driving a car, the call went unanswered. Then I got a message that Pawar wanted to speak to me," he said. Even that call will never happen, he added. Ajit Pawar death: Other victims who lost their lives in Baramati plane crash After learning about the accident, Shivkumar and his family rushed to Baramati. Apart from Pawar and Pinky, the other victims have been identified as Vidip Jadhav, Captain Shambhavi Pathak, and Captain Sumit Kapur. Jadhav, a police naik attached to the special protection unit of Mumbai Police, had taken off with Pawar and others from Kalina on Wednesday morning. He was a resident of Vitava near Thane. Captain Pathak was the co-pilot on Learjet 46. According to her social media profile, she had been with VSR Ventures for the past three years. She received commercial pilot training in 2018-19 at the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy Limited, the profile revealed. Captain Pathak has studied Aeronautics, Aviation, and Aerospace Science and Technology at Mumbai University between 2020 and 2022. (With inputs from PTI)
28 January,2026 07:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Anantrao Pawar, a towering figure in the state’s political landscape, had a career spanning over four decades. His journey—marked by deep grassroots work, organisational control, and key roles in successive governments—was cut short after he lost his life in a tragic plane crash on Wednesday. Here is a look at his political journey: 1959Ajit Pawar was born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara village in Rahuri taluka of Ahmednagar district, now Ahilyanagar. 1980At the young age of 21, Pawar entered active public life. By then, his uncle Sharad Pawar was already at the helm of Maharashtra politics and had served as the state’s chief minister. 1982Ajit Pawar’s early political grooming came through the cooperative sector. In 1982, he was elected to the board of a cooperative sugar factory in Pune district—a stepping stone that shaped his political rise. 1991Nine years later, he was elected chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank, consolidating his influence in the powerful cooperative movement.The same year, he was elected Member of Parliament from Baramati but resigned soon after, paving the way for his uncle Sharad Pawar to move to national politics in Delhi. He later entered the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, beginning a long legislative career in the state. 1991–1992Ajit Pawar served as minister of state for agriculture and power in the Sudhakarrao Naik government. 1992–1993He continued as minister of state for soil conservation, power and planning in the Sharad Pawar-led government from November 1992 to February 1993. Ajit Pawar death: Key cabinet roles, deputy CM stints, and political realignments 1999–2014Ajit Pawar held several key cabinet portfolios, including irrigation, finance and planning, and energy, gaining a reputation as a hands-on administrator. 2012–2014In 2012, Ajit Pawar became Maharashtra’s Deputy CM for the first time during the Congress–Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) government, before the regime was ousted by the Shiv Sena (undivided)–Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance in 2014. 2019Ajit Pawar briefly served as deputy CM for three days in the BJP-led government headed by Devendra Fadnavis. Later the same year, he was sworn in again to the same post in the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, handling the finance and planning portfolios. 2022Following the collapse of the MVA government, Pawar became leader of the opposition. 2023He engineered a split in the NCP, then headed by his uncle Sharad Pawar, formed a separate faction, and joined the Eknath Shinde–Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government, taking oath as deputy CM once again. 2024Ajit Pawar was sworn in for another term as Maharashtra’s Deputy CM after the Mahayuti swept the Assembly polls. Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash: Follow LIVE Updates here January 28, 2026In a tragic turn of events, Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash while travelling from Mumbai to Baramati for a political rally, bringing an abrupt end to a long and eventful political career.
28 January,2026 06:46 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday declared a one-day holiday for its offices following the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash at Baramati in Pune district. Only staff involved in essential and emergency services will remain on duty, officials said. The Maharashtra government has also announced a public holiday on January 28 and declared three days of state mourning following Ajit Pawar's death. As a mark of respect, flags are being flown at half-mast across the state. Mumbai University also rescheduled exams following the death of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader. Ajit Pawar, 66, and four others were killed when the chartered aircraft carrying them crashed on Wednesday morning. The incident has led to widespread grief across Maharashtra and the entire nation. Emergency services to remain operational The civic body clarified that only employees involved in essential and emergency services will be on duty during the day. All other municipal offices will remain closed as a mark of respect. Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash: Follow LIVE Updates here State govt announces mourning Earlier, the Maharashtra government declared January 28 as a public holiday and announced three days of state mourning to honour the late leader. The government has also declared the closure of all state government offices across Maharashtra on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The decision was taken in view of the sad demise of Maharashtra deputy CM. Instructions have been issued to all departments, district collectors, police commissioners, and senior officials to ensure strict compliance with the mourning guidelines. University exams rescheduled Meanwhile, the Examination Section announced that all afternoon examinations scheduled for January 28, 2026, have been rescheduled. The decision applies to affiliated colleges in Commerce and Management, Arts and Education, as well as the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) after the death of Ajit Pawar in Pune. The revised examination dates will be announced later. College principals have been asked to inform students accordingly. Official orders issued The mourning and closure orders were issued by the General Administration Department, Mantralaya. Senior officials across the state, including commissioners, district collectors and police authorities, have been directed to take necessary action on its implementations across the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief and sorrow following Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash. PM Modi spoke to NCP (SP) chief and Ajit Pawar's uncle Sharad Pawar and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family and his party leaders.
28 January,2026 06:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar appeared “unstable in the air” before crashing and exploding near Baramati in Pune district on Wednesday morning, a woman eyewitness said, reported news agency PTI. Another witness claimed the aircraft burst into flames immediately after hitting the ground, triggering four to five successive explosions. Pawar (66) and four others were killed after the aircraft crash-landed at Baramati airport around 8.50 am, officials said, reported PTI. A local resident said she noticed the aircraft circling the airport earlier in the morning before the crash. ‘It took a round and then crashed,’ says woman eyewitness of Ajit Pawar plane crash "It took a round in the air, appeared a bit unstable and as it was approaching the runway to land, it hit the ground hard and exploded. There was a loud sound and could be heard at our home," the woman told a news channel. According to PTI, she said that several parts of the aircraft were hurled into the air after the explosion and fell near her house. "The plane tilted before coming down. We saw the explosion and it was frightening," she said. Another eyewitness also said the aircraft appeared to be losing control as it descended. "The way the plane was coming down, we felt it was going to crash. It was around 100 feet above the runway. As we rushed towards it, we saw flames, followed by four to five consecutive blasts, which prevented us from going anywhere near the aircraft," he told PTI. "It was a major fire. We later learned that Pawar was on the aircraft. It was shocking for us," he added. Another eyewitness, Pramod Madurikar, said the bodies were identified immediately after the crash and shifted to an ambulance, while fire brigade personnel reached the spot almost simultaneously to assist with rescue and emergency operations, reported PTI. According to Flight Radar, the flight took off from Mumbai at 8.10 am and it disappeared from radar around 8.45 am. Additionally, according to IANS sources, Ajit Pawar's mortal remains were identified by the watch he was wearing at the time of his death. Pawar was travelling to Baramati from Mumbai to address public meetings as part of the campaign for the February 5 zilla parishad elections in the state. There were five people on board when the aircraft crashed at 8.50 am, a police official said. Superintendent of Police, Sandip Singh Gill, said that after the crash, there was a fire. "People onboard were immediately taken to the hospital," he added. (With IANS and PTI inputs)
28 January,2026 05:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government has declared Wednesday, January 28, a holiday across all state government offices and schools following the sudden demise of Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar in a plane crash earlier in the day in Baramati, Pune district. Official circulars issued by the general administration department (GAD), the directorate of education, and the divisional deputy director of education, Mumbai, confirm a three-day state mourning period until Friday, January 30. The national flag will fly at half-mast on all government buildings where it is regularly hoisted, and no official entertainment programmes will be held during this time. “Shri Ajit Anantrao Pawar, Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, passed away today, the 28th January 2026… The Government of Maharashtra hereby declares the closing of all offices of the State Government throughout the state on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026,” the official circular said. The education department has instructed all primary, secondary, higher-secondary schools, and junior colleges statewide to remain closed today. Separate letters from the directorate of education and the Mumbai Divisional Deputy Director direct officials to immediately inform all institutions under their jurisdiction. Schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and across Maharashtra have been shut for the day. Ajit Pawar, 66, was travelling in a chartered Learjet 45 from Mumbai to Baramati when the aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. Four others — two pilots, a crew member, and Pawar’s personal security officer — also lost their lives in the incident. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a probe into the incident. Political leaders across party lines have expressed shock and grief. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar are among those who paid tributes to the veteran leader, popularly known as “Dada”. Ajit Pawar plane crash Live updates: Follow our live blog for real-time updates Fadnavis calls Pawar’s death an irreparable loss Further details on the funeral and last rites are awaited. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Fadnavis said the decision on Pawar’s last rites would be taken after discussions with his family. “A state holiday has been declared and three days of state mourning announced. This is an irreparable loss for the entire state of Maharashtra,” he said, adding that a “wave of sorrow” had spread across the state. Remembering Pawar as a determined and hardworking leader who made a significant contribution to Maharashtra’s development, Fadnavis called the tragedy a personal loss. “Ajit Dada never wavered under any circumstances. It takes years to build such leadership. His demise is shocking, and for me, it is the loss of a close friend. It is also a huge loss for his family,” said the Maharashtra CM. CM, Dy CM to head to Baramati Fadnavis said he and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde would leave for Baramati shortly. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had spoken to him and conveyed their condolences. “Once we reach Baramati and speak to the family, a decision regarding the funeral will be taken,” Fadnavis said, adding that he had already spoken to Pawar's cousin and NCP (SP) Member of Parliament (MP) Supriya Sule and son Parth. Crowds gather at hospital; family travels to Baramati Meanwhile, a large crowd gathered outside the hospital in Baramati where Pawar’s mortal remains were brought. NCP working president Praful Patel, along with Sule, Pawar’s wife Sunetra, and Parth, departed from New Delhi for Baramati.
28 January,2026 04:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a move aimed at reducing traffic congestion and preventing accidents, the Mumbai Traffic Police have issued a temporary notification prohibiting the entry of heavy vehicles and water tankers on several narrow roads in Borivali East. The notification, issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Western Suburbs, Ajit Borhade, on Wednesday, will be in effect on a trial basis for three months, until April 28. Affected roads Nirmal Building to Post Office Road No 12 Post Office Siddhi Vinayak Building to Kajupada Chowki Road No 15 Rear side of Nirmal Building to Shrikrishna Nagar Road No 13 Shrikrishna Nagar Road No 14 Kajupada Chowki to Savarpada Road Kajupada Chowk to Machhi Market Road Main Market to Zhagardev Compound, Kajupada, Mane Compound According to the notification, a large number of private water tankers coming to fill water at Mane Compound and Kaju Pada have caused serious traffic obstructions on these extremely narrow roads. Past incidents have also included accidents of serious nature, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures. ExemptionsVehicles engaged in essential services will be allowed at all times, including: Delivery of vegetables, milk, bread, and bakery items Gas and fuel tankers Ambulances and fire brigade vehicles Municipal Corporation vehicles providing essential services Police vehicles The traffic restrictions will apply every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Citizens have been urged to cooperate with traffic police instructions and use alternative routes to avoid inconvenience. Violations of this order may attract legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and other applicable laws, the police warned. Mumbai road concretisation: 3-month traffic restrictions issued at Padmavati Road in Dindoshi As part of the Mumbai road concretisation project, the city police have issued 3-month long traffic restrictions at Padmavati Road in Dindoshi area of the city. According to the Mumbai Police, concreting work is currently underway on Padmavati Road, between Aarey Junction, Dudh Sagar and General Arun Kumar Vaidya Marg, under the jurisdiction of the Dindoshi Traffic Division. The work is being carried out by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Due to the movement of heavy machinery and materials required for the construction, traffic congestion has been observed on this stretch of road, resulting in severe delays and disruption to smooth traffic flow, a traffic notification said. In view of the traffic congestion and to ensure public safety, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic (Western Suburbs), Ajit Borhade, on Saturday issued a traffic order under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The order imposes traffic restrictions on Padmavati Road as a precautionary measure.
28 January,2026 04:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra 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. Aircraft accident will be probed, says Shinde 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. This loss is not just of the Pawar family but of the entire state: Eknath Shinde 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.
28 January,2026 03:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, NCP–Sharadchandra Pawar faction leader Anil Deshmukh, while addressing the media on Wednesday, broke down into tears. The former Maharashtra Home Minister was unable to overcome his emotions after the news of the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar broke out. VIDEO | Mumbai: NCP–Sharadchandra Pawar leader Anil Deshmukh breaks down after Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar was killed in an aircraft crash in Pune district. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/H718WahirV — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026 Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed in an extremely unfortunate aircraft crash in Baramati. Visibly shaken, Deshmukh broke down while addressing the media, struggling to hold back tears as he spoke about the tragedy. Raj Thackeray pays tribute to Ajit Pawar Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday expressed deep grief over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Ajit Pawar on Wednesday at around 9 am lost his life in a tragic plane crash in Baramati. My friend and Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Ajit Pawar, has passed away. While referring to Ajit Pawar as his close friend, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, in a heartfelt condolence message shared on social media, said that Pawar was an “outstanding leader” and a towering figure in Maharashtra’s political landscape. While writing a heartfelt message on social media, Raj Thackeray wrote, “My friend and Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Ajit Pawar, has passed away. Maharashtra's politics has lost an outstanding leader.” Raj Thackeray praises Ajit Pawar’s governance Hailing Pawar’s candor, simplicity, and fearlessness in decision-making, Raj also wrote, “Ajit Pawar had a complete grasp of this kind of politics and the skill to handle it adeptly. Pimpri Chinchwad and Baramati are two excellent examples of that. Whether it was Pimpri Chinchwad or Baramati, Ajit Dada transformed these regions in ways that even his political opponents would acknowledge.” MNS chief refers to Ajit Pawar as his friend despite being political rivals Raj Thackeray, while remembering his dear friend, also said that political rivalries are not personal and the sudden demise of a prominent leader like Ajit Pawar is surely an extremely unfortunate incident.
28 January,2026 03:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday expressed deep grief over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Ajit Pawar on Wednesday at around 9 am lost his life in a tragic plane crash in Baramati. My friend and Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Ajit Pawar, has passed away. माझे मित्र आणि राज्याचे उपमुख्यमंत्री अजित पवार यांचं निधन झालं. महाराष्ट्राच्या राजकारणाने एक उमदा नेता गमावला. अजित पवार यांचा आणि माझा राजकारणातला प्रवेश हा काहीसा एकाच काळातील, अर्थात आमचा परिचय हा बराच नंतरचा. पण राजकारणावर कमालीचं प्रेम या एका गुणावर अजित पवारांनी… pic.twitter.com/yIjUC255Af — Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) January 28, 2026 While referring to Ajit Pawar as his close friend, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, in a heartfelt condolence message shared on social media, said that Pawar was an “outstanding leader” and a towering figure in Maharashtra’s political landscape. While writing a heartfelt message on social media, Raj Thackeray wrote, “My friend and Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Ajit Pawar, has passed away. Maharashtra's politics has lost an outstanding leader.” Signifying his close relations with Ajit Pawar, Raj Thackeray also added, “Ajit Pawar and I entered politics around the same time, though our acquaintance came much later. But on the strength of his sheer passion for politics, Ajit Pawar took great strides in Maharashtra's political arena.” While hailing Ajit Pawar’s political stature and how he made his way through the ranks, Raj Thackeray said, “Though Ajit Pawar was a leader forged in the mold of Pawar Saheb, he later carved out his own independent identity. And he imprinted that identity in every nook and corner of Maharashtra.” Raj Thackeray also addressed Ajit Pawar as a towering figure and admirable administrator with a sharp grasp of governance. The MNS chief said that the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister possessed clarity in resolving bureaucratic challenges and believed in straightforward, honest politics, which is quite rare in the political spectrum. Raj Thackeray praises Ajit Pawar’s governance Hailing Pawar’s candor, simplicity, and fearlessness in decision-making, Raj also wrote, “Ajit Pawar had a complete grasp of this kind of politics and the skill to handle it adeptly. Pimpri Chinchwad and Baramati are two excellent examples of that. Whether it was Pimpri Chinchwad or Baramati, Ajit Dada transformed these regions in ways that even his political opponents would acknowledge.” MNS chief refers to Ajit Pawar as his friend despite being political rivals Raj Thackeray, while remembering his dear friend, also said that political rivalries are not personal and the sudden demise of a prominent leader like Ajit Pawar is surely an extremely unfortunate incident. While concluding his social media post, Raj wrote, “Opposition in politics is political, not personal. That's why leaders in Maharashtra who keep in mind that poisonous criticism of each other shouldn't be taken personally are becoming fewer. The successive departure of generous opponents from politics is a great loss to Maharashtra’s fine political tradition.”
28 January,2026 03:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
