Priyanka Chaturvedi Breaks Down Over Ajit Pawar’s Death, Calls It Huge Loss

Maharashtra remained in deep mourning on Wednesday following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a charter aircraft crash near Baramati in Pune district, with emotional tributes pouring in from leaders across political parties. Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi was visibly overcome with grief during a televised interaction, describing the tragedy as “heart-rending” and “a huge loss for the state”.

Breaking down on air, Chaturvedi said Pawar’s sudden demise had left Maharashtra shocked and grieving. She recalled his relentless dedication to the state and said his ideas and vision for development had made a lasting impact across party lines.

“He had bright ideas, big ideas for Maharashtra. It is extremely painful that he has left us like this,” she said, struggling to hold back tears while speaking about the loss.

Reflecting on her professional interactions with Pawar, Chaturvedi said his commitment to public service was unparalleled. She described him as a leader who worked tirelessly from early morning till late night, driven by a singular focus on governance and progress.

“Ajit Pawar ji was a very committed leader. His dedication to Maharashtra was total. Anyone who has worked with him knows the intensity with which he approached his responsibilities,” she said, adding that even political opponents respected his sincerity and work ethic.

The emotional toll of the news was evident as Chaturvedi requested a brief pause during the interview, saying the moment was too painful to continue. She later expressed her desire to visit the Pawar family residence, noting that relatives had gathered there to mourn the loss.

Chaturvedi also spoke about Pawar’s close bond with his family, highlighting the strong personal relationships that defined his private life. She said he shared a deep connection with his extended family and was regarded with affection and respect by his relatives.

“I want to express my condolences to the people of Baramati, to the people of Maharashtra, and to the entire Pawar family. I wish them strength in this difficult time,” she said.

Ajit Pawar, along with five others, was killed when a Learjet 45 aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. The aircraft was carrying Pawar, his personal security officer, an aide, and two crew members. Initial reports confirmed that there were no survivors.

Aviation authorities said an Occurrence Report had been filed and that a detailed investigation was underway to determine the cause of the crash. Technical teams were examining flight data, aircraft condition, and weather factors, while officials stressed that conclusions would be drawn only after a thorough probe.

Soon after the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah contacted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to seek updates on the crash and ongoing response efforts.

Ajit Pawar was one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures, with Baramati serving as his political stronghold for decades. His sudden passing has triggered widespread grief across the state, with tributes continuing to pour in from political leaders, civil society organisations, and citizens who acknowledged his role in shaping Maharashtra’s political and administrative landscape.