Who was Ajit Pawar, the Indian politician killed in plane crash? | Politics News
A private plane carrying Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of India’s Maharashtra state, crashed on Wednesday, resulting in his death and the deaths of four other people on board, authorities have confirmed.
A Prominent Political Figure Lost
The aircraft was travelling from Mumbai, India’s financial capital, to Baramati, Pawar’s home city, when it crashed in an open field approximately 254km (159 miles) from the state capital and burst into flames. The cause of the crash is currently unknown, and an investigation is underway.
Ajit Pawar, 66, held the position of second-highest elected official in Maharashtra, India’s wealthiest state. He was an ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leading a faction that separated from the opposition Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 2023.
A Long Political Career
Pawar began his political career with the Indian National Congress in the late 1980s, influenced by his uncle, Sharad Pawar. He was first elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in 1991, representing the Baramati constituency for a record eight terms.
In 1999, he joined the NCP, formed by his uncle, and served multiple terms as Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister in coalitions led by the NCP. His political path included a brief period with the BJP in 2019 before returning to the NCP and ultimately aligning with the BJP-led coalition in 2023, a move officially recognized by the Election Commission of India in February 2024.
Legacy and Controversy
Pawar was known for his influence in Maharashtra’s sugar belt and his ability to mobilize rural voters. He oversaw significant infrastructure development in his region, particularly in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Baramati. However, he also faced accusations of corruption in connection with alleged irregularities in awarding contracts for civic projects between 1999 and 2009, and a land scam in Pune involving his son’s company in 2023. Government inquiries into both cases remain inconclusive.
The Crash and Its Aftermath
The VSR Ventures-operated Learjet 45 was attempting an emergency landing in Baramati, where Pawar was scheduled to campaign in local elections, when it crashed at approximately 8:30am (03:00 GMT). Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft on fire and experiencing multiple explosions. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, confirmed the aircraft went down in flames.
Pawar was travelling with his personal security officer, an assistant, and two crew members. VK Singh, the director of VSR Ventures, stated the cause of the crash was unclear, adding that the aircraft was “100 percent safe” and the crew were experienced.
Reactions to the Tragedy
Prime Minister Modi described Pawar as a “leader of the people” with a “strong grassroots level connect,” expressing shock and sadness at his “untimely demise.” Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party also offered his condolences. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated he was deeply affected by the loss of his “strong and generous friend.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ajit Pawar’s position in the Maharashtra government?
Ajit Pawar was the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, serving as the second-highest elected official in the state.
What happened to the aircraft involved in the crash?
The VSR Ventures-operated Learjet 45 crashed in an open field near Baramati while attempting an emergency landing and burst into flames.
Were there any investigations into allegations against Ajit Pawar?
Pawar was accused of involvement in an alleged Maharashtra irrigation scam and a land scam in Pune, but government inquiries into both cases remain inconclusive.
As investigations proceed, the political landscape of Maharashtra may shift, and the circumstances surrounding this tragedy will undoubtedly be closely examined.