New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep grief over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash at Baramati, describing him as a leader who made significant contributions to the development of the state and the country.

Addressing the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Rally at Cariappa Ground here, the prime minister said the tragic accident had taken away a committed public servant and his associates. “A tragic plane crash has taken place in Maharashtra this morning. This accident has snatched away Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and some friends from us. Ajit Dada made a huge contribution to the development of Maharashtra and the nation and always worked proactively,” Modi said.

Expressing condolences, the prime minister said he stood with the bereaved families in this moment of grief. “I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family of Ajit Pawar ji and to the families of all those who lost their lives in this tragic accident,” he added.

Despite the sombre occasion, Modi also acknowledged the presence of NCC cadets at the event, including those from overseas. “Even in these moments of sorrow, I extend my greetings to all the cadets and officers present here, including those who have come from different countries,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi spoke to veteran NCP leader Sharad Pawar and expressed his condolences over the loss of his nephew.

Ajit Pawar, 66, was killed after the chartered aircraft carrying him crash-landed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district around 8.48 am. All five persons on board, including Pawar, his personal security officer, a flight attendant and two pilots, lost their lives.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have dispatched teams to investigate the incident. Pawar was travelling to Baramati to campaign for the Zilla Panchayat elections.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Governor Acharya Devvrat later arrived at Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati to pay their last respects. Ajit Pawar, the longest-serving deputy chief minister of Maharashtra non-consecutively, is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar and sons Jay and Parth Pawar.