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Uddhav Thackeray Mourns Ajit Pawar, Recalls "Special Bond" After Tragic Crash

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray expressed deep condolences for Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was killed in a plane crash in Baramati. Thackeray praised Pawar as a steadfast leader and excellent colleague with whom he shared a special bond, noting that their relationship endured despite political differences. The crash claimed five lives, including Pawar's, leading Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to declare a state holiday and three days of mourning. Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister in Maharashtra's history, having served in multiple governments.

Key Points: Uddhav Thackeray Mourns Ajit Pawar's Death in Plane Crash

  • Ajit Pawar killed in Baramati plane crash
  • Thackeray recalls their "special bond" as colleagues
  • Maharashtra announces state holiday and mourning
  • Pawar was state's longest-serving deputy CM
3 min read

"Developed special bond as excellent colleagues": Uddhav Thackaray mourns Ajit Pawar

Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray mourns Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, killed in a Baramati plane crash, recalling their "special bond" and leadership void.

"I have lost a steadfast leader and an excellent colleague from my cabinet. - Uddhav Thackeray"

Mumbai, January 28

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday condoled the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, saying the state has lost a "steadfast leader and an excellent colleague."

Thackeray said that the two had developed a "special bond as excellent colleagues," and praised Pawar's open-hearted nature. Even after Pawar chose a different path in politics, Thackeray said, he "did not let our relationship break."

In a post on X, Thackeray said, "I have lost a steadfast leader and an excellent colleague from my cabinet. When I was the Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar was the Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister. He was an extremely disciplined leader with a firm grip on his department and a deep understanding of the Finance Department. We developed a special bond as excellent colleagues. Ajit Pawar was open-hearted. He would speak his mind. He was not one to hold grudges for long. Even though he chose a different path in politics, he did not let our relationship break. "

He noted that Pawar was widely known across Maharashtra as "Dada," and that his departure has created a void in the state's leadership.

"In Maharashtra, he was popular as 'Dada.' I never thought he would leave so soon. He was known as a leader who cherished his workers. His departure has created a void in the state's leadership. In every sense, he was truly 'Dada.' On behalf of myself, 'Thackeray,' and the Shiv Sena family, my heartfelt tribute to Dada!"

Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash this morning in Maharashtra's Baramati.

According to DGCA, five people, including the crew, on board the chartered plane flying from Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Baramati died after a crash-landing at 8.45 am this morning. The crash landing of the Mumbai-Baramati charter plane occurred at the runway threshold in Baramati. Pawar was onboard along with 2 more personnel (1 PSO and 1 attendant) and 2 crew members. Further details about the crash are awaited.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis has announced a state holiday and three days of mourning following the demise of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash this morning. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Fadanvis said that the decision on Pawar's last rites will be made after consulting his family.

Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra non-consecutively. He served in the position for six terms within various governments. He had worked as deputy chief minister in the cabinets of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Such a tragic loss. The article mentions he was "open-hearted" and didn't hold grudges. We need more politicians like that. My condolences to his family and the people of Maharashtra.
V
Vikram M
Six terms as Deputy CM! That's a record. Say what you will about his political moves, the man knew how to run the finance department. The state has lost an administrator. Hope the DGCA investigation is swift and thorough.
P
Priya S
Heartbreaking news. He was truly 'Dada' to so many. Beyond politics, he was a human being. The focus now should be on supporting his family and ensuring such accidents don't happen again. Safety audits for chartered flights are a must.
R
Rohit P
Respectful words from Uddhav ji. In our culture, we mourn first, debate later. But I must say, while the tribute is nice, it highlights how unstable our state politics have been—same person serving under four different CMs from different parties! Something to think about.
M
Michael C
The personal bond described here transcends the usual political rivalry we see. A powerful reminder of our shared humanity. My thoughts are with all affected by this terrible crash.

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