Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, following reports of a plane crash.
In a condolence message posted on social media, the J&K LG said he was shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of Ajit Pawar, describing him as a widely respected leader committed to public welfare.
“It is with shock and deep sadness that I learnt about the untimely demise of Shri Ajit Pawar Ji. He was a widely respected leader who was committed to the well-being of the people and who served Maharashtra with distinction. My condolences to his family and admirers,” the LG wrote.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also took to social media platform X to express his grief, recalling his personal association with the Pawar family.
“Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar Sb. I’ve known Ajit da since my days in college in Bombay when I stayed with Sharad Pawar Sb and his family at Varsha. Ajit da was an able administrator and a consummate political organiser whose loss will be greatly felt,” Omar Abdullah posted.
The Chief Minister further said that he joined his father, National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah, in extending condolences to NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, and the entire Pawar family.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday, January 28, after the aircraft he was travelling in crashed while attempting to land at Baramati in Pune district, officials said.
The aircraft was carrying six people, including Pawar, when the accident occurred. Those on board included Nationalist Congress Party leader Vidip Jadhav, Pinki Mali, Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
