Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the untimely demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar, describing him as a mass leader with a strong connection to the grassroots, following his death in a tragic plane crash near Baramati.

In a condolence message, the Prime Minister said he was deeply saddened by the air crash and extended his sympathies to the families of all those who lost their lives. “Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, known for his strong grassroots connect and tireless commitment to public service. He was widely respected for his hard work, administrative understanding, and dedication to empowering the poor and downtrodden. His sudden passing is shocking and deeply painful. My condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” PM Modi said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed grief over the loss, stating that Ajit Pawar remained devoted to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra throughout his long public life. He highlighted Pawar’s compassion for the people and unwavering dedication to public service, extending condolences to his family, supporters, and admirers.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari described the news as heartbreaking and termed Ajit Pawar’s death an irreparable loss not just for Maharashtra, but for the nation. Recalling his close association with Pawar, Gadkari praised his administrative skills, developmental vision, and ability to connect with people, saying the leader would always hold a significant place in Maharashtra’s political landscape.

Union Minister C.R. Paatil said Ajit Pawar had carved out a distinct identity in Maharashtra politics, adding that his passing would significantly alter the state’s political dynamics. He called the loss a personal tragedy for Pawar’s family and a major setback for the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said she was deeply shocked and stunned by the sudden demise of the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and his co-passengers. Expressing a sense of profound loss, she extended condolences to Pawar’s family, including his uncle Sharad Pawar, and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal also expressed shock and grief, offering condolences to the Pawar family, supporters, and the people of Maharashtra, and praying for peace for the departed soul.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant said the tragic news had left everyone deeply pained. Sharing personal memories, he noted that Ajit Pawar was known for keeping his word and maintaining close interpersonal relationships.

NCP-SP MP from Ahilyanagar, Nilesh Lanke, termed Pawar’s death a massive loss for Maharashtra, while former Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP-SP leader Anil Deshmukh was left overwhelmed and emotional upon hearing the news.

Meanwhile, NCP working president Praful Patel, NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule, and Ajit Pawar’s family members — wife Sunetra Pawar and sons Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar — departed for Baramati from Delhi.