New Delhi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the untimely demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has created such a void in the state politics that will not be possible to fill for a long time.

Shah paid his last respects to the 66-year-old NCP chief, popularly known as 'Dada' (elder brother), in Baramati at his cremation.

Pawar was cremated with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan college ground, a day after he along with four others died when a chartered plane carrying them crashed on Wednesday. The college has been founded by the Pawar family.

In a message on 'X', Shah said, "I paid my last respects to Ajit Pawar ji and offered heartfelt tributes to him.

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The untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji, who was dedicated to society and the people, has created such a void in Maharashtra’s politics that it will not be possible to fill it for a long time."

The crash took place near Baramati airport when the aircraft was attempting to land.