According to initial reports, the aircraft carrying Pawar crashed while he was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati earlier in the day. Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the crash. Senior leaders across party lines expressed condolences, while state flags were lowered as a mark of respect.
Reacting to the incident, Raut said Maharashtra had lost one of its most decisive and capable administrators. “Without Ajit Pawar, politics in Maharashtra will lose its flavour. He was a leader who took firm decisions and stood by them,” Raut said, addressing the media in Mumbai.
Raut recalled the tense hours following reports of the crash. “When we first heard about the accident, everyone prayed that he would survive. Unfortunately, the tragic news soon followed, leaving the entire state in mourning,” he said.
Describing Pawar as a leader deeply connected with grassroots workers, Raut said his straightforward style and administrative grip set him apart. “He spoke plainly, sometimes sharply, but always honestly. Workers across parties respected his clarity and command over governance,” he added.
Raut also reflected on Pawar’s long political journey, noting that his ambition to become Chief Minister remained unfulfilled. “He served as Deputy Chief Minister several times and always aspired to lead the state. Had he become Chief Minister, Maharashtra would have gained an exceptionally efficient leader,” Raut said.
Highlighting Pawar’s role in previous governments, Raut said his contribution to the Uddhav Thackeray-led cabinet was crucial. “Uddhav Thackeray often acknowledged that Ajit Pawar ensured the cabinet was fully prepared on policy and administration,” he noted.
Baramati, Pawar’s political stronghold, witnessed an outpouring of grief as supporters gathered to pay tribute. Raut called it a tragic coincidence that Pawar passed away in the region most closely associated with his political identity.
“The Pawar and Thackeray families shared a long relationship. This loss is personal as well as political,” Raut said, adding that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray was deeply saddened.
As Maharashtra mourns the loss of yet another towering political figure, leaders warned that Pawar’s death marks the end of an era and leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.
