Lok Sabha Pays Tribute to Ajit Pawar After Tragic Plane Crash

The NCP chief was a Lok Sabha MP during the 10th Lok Sabha in 1991.

The 66-year-old leader died in a charter plane crash while travelling from Mumbai to Bramati this morning. He was in Mumbai on January 27, where he attended a meeting of the Maharashtra Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Fadanvis has announced a state holiday and three days of mourning. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, CM Fadanvis said that the decision on Pawar's last rites will be made after consulting his family.

Ajit Pawar, 66, was the nephew of veteran politician and NCP founder Sharad Pawar, and the cousin of Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule.

He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar and two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar.

Several MPs have expressed condolences to the Pawar family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered him as a mass leader with deep grassroots. He highlighted Pawar's strong grasp of administrative affairs and his commitment to empowering the poor and underprivileged.

"Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti," the X post from PM Modi said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled the demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.

Meanwhile, both Houses of Parliament also made obituary reference for former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away in December last year, while she was undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka at the age of 80.

Lok Sabha mourned the demise of former MPs Shalini Patil, Bhanu Prakash Mirdha, Satyendra Nath Brohmo Chaudhury, Suresh Kalmadi and Kabindra Purkayastha.

While the Rajya Sabha made obituary references for former MPs L Ganesan and Suresh Kalmadi.

The Budget Session 2026-27 began with President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint session of Parliament, outlining the Union government's vision for social justice, inclusive growth, and a developed India.

Both houses were adjourned on Wednesday afternoon and will meet on Thursday at 11 am.

The Union Budget will be presented on February 1.

- ANI