CM Omar, Farooq Abdullah express grief over Ajit Pawar’s death in plane crash

Jammu, Jan 28: Chief Minister Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah and National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday expressed shock and grief over the untimely demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash at Baramati.

Both leaders recalled Pawar’s administrative acumen, political contribution, and their personal association with him, while urging a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

“This is very sad. Before leaving Delhi, we received this heartrending news in the plane that Ajit Pawar Sahib died in an air crash in Baramati. My association with him dates back to the days when I was studying in a college in Mumbai and I used to live with (Sharad) Pawar Sahib. During those days, Ajit Pawar had just entered the arena of politics to help his uncle Sharad Pawar Sahib. Since his entry in politics, he always tried to serve the people of Maharashtra,” CM recalled the moments of his old association with the departed leader.

The Chief Minister said all those people, who knew him (Ajit Pawar) and those who were well aware of his style of working, recognized him (Ajit) as an able administrator.

“He had carved his image as a proficient administrator and a very adroit political worker. He died at a very young age. I, on my behalf and my father’s behalf, convey our heartfelt condolences to Pawar Sahib, Supriya and their entire family in this crucial hour of grief,” he stated, while speaking to media persons.

Responding to a query about frequent incidents of air crash, the Chief Minister stated, “See, every incident of air crash has a different reason. What was the reason behind this air crash – probably none of us should make any comment on it – at least for now. Once the investigation is launched and after the probe gets completed – only then we would come to know if there was any technical issue with the plane; it was inclement weather or there was some other reason. That we will see later (after completion of investigation).”

“Anyway, death is inevitable. It has happened. Who is going to die and in what circumstances – you or I don’t know; or for that matter none knows and none can predict. Only the almighty knows it. This was an unfortunate incident and all died in the crash. But probably that was destiny,” CM Omar said.

Later, on his official ‘X’ handle also, the Chief Minister shared his condolences to the bereaved family while expressing his shock and grief over Ajit Pawar’s demise in the incident.

“Shocked to hear about the timely demise of Ajit Pawar Sb. I’ve known Ajit Da since my days in college in Bombay when I stayed with Sharad Pawar Sb & his family at Varsha. Ajit Da was an able administrator and a consummate political organiser whose loss will be greatly felt. I join my father in sending our condolences to Sharad Pawar Sb, Supriya & the entire family,” CM Omar posted.

Dr Farooq, while speaking to media persons here, said that the news of Ajit Pawar’s death was heart-rending.

“This morning when I heard this news, it saddened me as I felt that he, as an illustrious son of Maharashtra, strenuously tried to change the face of Maharashtra. None can forget his contribution. But none can change the will of the almighty,” NC president said.

He pointed out that (Ajit) Pawar was on his way to Pune for electioneering when the mishap occurred. “But probably destiny had some other plans. Loss is irreparable not just for the Pawar family but for the entire nation,” Farooq said, adding, “I convey my condolences to the family of Ajit Pawar and also to the family of Sharad Pawar. I pray for peace to the departed soul of Ajit Pawar and strength to the entire bereaved family. I believe our nation has lost one of its illustrious sons in his (Ajit Pawar’s) demise,” the former Chief Minister said.

Pawar, along with four others onboard a private aircraft, died when it (plane) crashed while making an emergency landing in Baramati in Pune for electioneering for Zilla Parishad polls.