Hyderabad: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday ordered a full-scale investigation into the plane crash that killed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and others on board.
Addressing the media, Shinde said the state government took the incident seriously. Therefore, he directed agencies to examine every aspect of the crash. He said the probe would cover possible technical failure, weather conditions and operational procedures.
“The loss of Ajit Pawar is deeply painful,” Shinde said. He added that authorities would take strict action if they found any negligence.
Leaders across parties mourn Ajit Pawar, seek accountability
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Revenue Minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the news left him deeply shaken. He described Ajit Pawar as a people’s leader who gave clear direction to Maharashtra’s development and maintained a firm command over administration.
Bawankule recalled seeking Pawar’s guidance on several occasions. He said working with him in the Mahayuti alliance proved inspiring and added that the loss was a profound setback for the state.
Shiv Sena leader and former Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Ambadas Danve also expressed grief. He said Maharashtra had lost a towering leader with deep grassroots links and decades of public service.
BJP MP Ujjwal Nikam said he had known Ajit Pawar for many years. He recalled Pawar’s concern for others and said the tragedy marked a personal loss as well as a loss for Maharashtra. He extended condolences to Pawar’s wife, Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar, and the bereaved families.