Ajit Pawar: Grief and shock over politician’s death in plane crash

India’s prime minister has led a wave of profound grief and shock across the nation following the tragic death of Ajit Pawar, the influential deputy chief minister of Maharashtra state, in a devastating plane crash in the western part of the country. The chartered aircraft carrying Pawar and four other individuals plummeted to the ground at the airport in Baramati, Pawar’s home constituency, on Wednesday morning, sending shockwaves through the political fraternity and the public alike. Initial reports from India’s civil aviation minister indicate that poor visibility at the Baramati airport at the time of the incident may have been a contributing factor, prompting an immediate launch of a comprehensive investigation by the aviation regulator.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visibly affected by the news, described Pawar’s demise as "shocking and saddening," paying heartfelt tribute to his dedicated service to the people of Maharashtra. The state is set to bid a somber farewell to its beloved leader, with his funeral scheduled for Thursday morning. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking with deep sorrow, characterized Pawar’s death as "an immeasurable loss" and announced three days of official mourning across the state, underscoring the significant void left by his passing.

Ajit Pawar, affectionately known as ‘dada’ – a term of endearment meaning elder brother in the Marathi language – by his party workers and the public, was a towering figure in Maharashtra’s political landscape for decades. At 66 years old, he was a pivotal member of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), founded by his veteran uncle, Sharad Pawar. His political journey, deeply rooted in grassroots activism, saw him build formidable networks with labor unions and local co-operative banks, establishing a strong connection with the common people.

First elected to the Maharashtra legislative assembly from Baramati in 1991, Pawar consistently retained the seat in subsequent elections, a testament to his unwavering popularity and strong voter connect. His extensive experience in governance saw him serve multiple terms as the state’s deputy chief minister, and he held the reins of crucial ministries, including agriculture and finance, in various government formations.

However, the latter years of his political career were marked by significant turbulence and a dramatic assertion of his own political ambitions, often seen as an effort to step out from the formidable shadow of his uncle. In a stunning move in 2019, Pawar briefly broke away from the NCP to join the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government as deputy chief minister. This alliance, however, proved short-lived, collapsing within days due to a perceived lack of support from the broader NCP cadre. He subsequently returned to his party, playing a crucial role in the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, an alliance of the NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena.

Tensions within the NCP, however, continued to simmer, culminating in another significant split in 2023. Pawar, this time accompanied by a substantial contingent of legislators, once again broke away from the party, triggering the collapse of the NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance. India’s Election Commission eventually recognized his faction as the official NCP. Following this realignment, Pawar played a pivotal role in forming the state’s new tri-party coalition government, led by the BJP. He resumed his position as deputy chief minister, though sharing the post with another prominent leader. In recent months, whispers of a potential reconciliation between uncle and nephew had circulated, though neither party officially confirmed these overtures.

Sanjay Raut, a prominent leader from the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) party, lamented Pawar’s death as a "dark day" for Maharashtra politics. He poignantly stated, "Without Dada, the political landscape of Maharashtra is incomplete. He had an open-hearted personality and every party worker admired him." Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, with Federal Home Minister Amit Shah and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi among the many leaders who have paid their respects to the departed leader.

The aircraft involved in the fatal crash was identified as a Bombardier Learjet 45, a sophisticated small business jet frequently utilized for charter flights and VIP transportation within India. Pawar was traveling to Baramati to engage in public meetings related to the upcoming local elections when the tragedy struck. He was accompanied by two of his staff members and two crew members, all of whom also perished in the crash.

The federal aviation ministry released a statement detailing the harrowing final moments of the flight. "The aircraft was cleared for landing in Baramati on Wednesday morning after multiple attempts but, having finally received landing clearance, it did not give any ‘read-back’ or response to the Air Traffic Control and moments later burst into flames on the edge of the runway." This account highlights the sudden and catastrophic nature of the incident, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the precise sequence of events leading to the crash.

Ajit Pawar’s untimely death leaves a significant void in his party and casts a long shadow over Maharashtra’s political landscape. He was widely regarded as a shrewd administrator and a charismatic orator, whose witty remarks and fiery speeches often captured public attention, though at times also landed him in controversy. Throughout his illustrious career, he faced accusations of corruption, which he consistently denied. In the last decade, Pawar charted a new course for the NCP, forging unexpected political alliances and demonstrating remarkable political acumen in navigating power dynamics, even when it reportedly took a toll on his family relationships.

The question of who will fill the leadership vacuum left by Pawar within the NCP remains uncertain, with speculation rife about potential successors. His death also carries significant implications for the ruling alliance in Maharashtra. While the BJP-led coalition possesses sufficient numbers to govern, any potential shifts in political allegiances or the emergence of new power dynamics within the NCP could introduce further turbulence into the state’s already dynamic political arena. The loss of such a formidable leader at this juncture adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing political narrative of Maharashtra.