Delhi: The nation plunged into grief on Wednesday following the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading tributes to the veteran politician, describing him as a leader deeply rooted at the grassroots.
In a condolence message, the Prime Minister said Pawar was widely admired for his strong connect with the people and his tireless work for Maharashtra. Highlighting his administrative acumen, Modi noted that Pawar was passionate about uplifting the poor and marginalised sections of society. Calling his passing untimely and deeply painful, the Prime Minister extended condolences to the bereaved family and his countless supporters.
Messages of shock and sorrow poured in from across the political spectrum as news of Pawar’s death spread. Biju Janata Dal president and former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy and expressed sympathy for the families of all those who lost their lives in the incident.
Several senior leaders, including Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, also paid tributes, recalling Pawar’s long public life and commitment to public service.
President Droupadi Murmu described the incident as extremely tragic and termed Pawar’s demise an irreparable loss to the nation. She said he would be remembered for his significant contribution to Maharashtra’s development, particularly in the cooperative sector, and offered prayers for strength to the families affected by the tragedy.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the news had left him deeply distressed, calling Pawar’s death a personal loss to the NDA family. Shah noted that Pawar had dedicated more than three decades to public welfare in Maharashtra and was always deeply engaged with issues concerning the people. He added that the entire alliance stood firmly with the Pawar family in this hour of grief.
Ajit Pawar was regarded as a seasoned administrator and mass leader who played a key role in shaping Maharashtra’s political and developmental landscape. His sudden passing has left a void in state politics and triggered widespread mourning across the country.
