The death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar has sent shockwaves across the state, drawing emotional reactions from leaders across party lines. Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday described Pawar’s demise as a “dark day in Maharashtra politics,” underscoring the towering influence the leader wielded over the state’s political landscape.
Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday, January 28. The tragedy unfolded suddenly, leaving little time for leaders, colleagues, or supporters to come to terms with the loss. As news of the accident spread, a wave of grief swept across Maharashtra, with political leaders suspending engagements and party workers gathering to mourn the popular mass leader.
Expressing his condolences, Sanjay Raut said Maharashtra politics would be incomplete without Ajit Pawar’s presence. “‘Maharashtra politics is nothing without Dada,’” Raut remarked, calling the loss deeply personal for the state’s political fraternity.
Recalling Pawar’s personality and bond with grassroots workers, Raut said, “We were praying for Dada’s safe return. He had an open-hearted personality, every worker loved him. Today, a mountain of sorrow has fallen on Maharashtra.”
