Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Kamal Haasan, others mourn demise of Ajit Pawar

The news of his demise sent shockwaves across the nation, and many prominent politicians and celebrities have expressed grief and paid tribute to his legacy. Social media platforms were flooded with messages honouring Ajit Pawar's decades-long service in Maharashtra politics, highlighting his contributions to development, governance, and public welfare.

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar expressed his grief over the untimely and tragic demise of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar, "Shocked and sad to hear about the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar ji. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti," Akshay wrote on X.

https://x.com/akshaykumar/status/2016429848739434566?s=20

Taking to his Instagram stories, Sanjay Dutt also shared a photo of late leader Ajit Pawar and wrote, "Shocked and saddened by this tragic loss. He was one of the most dynamic leaders, leaving behind a lasting impact. My deepest condolences to the family and everyone affected. Prayers for strength and peace. Om Shanti."

"Shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Hon. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this immense loss. Om Shanti," wrote Ajay Devgn.

https://x.com/ajaydevgn/status/2016388484156817517?s=20

Legendary actor Anupam Kher also expressed his deep shock and wrote on X, "Deeply shocked and Saddened by the tragic passing of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar dada. Whenever I met him he was very gentle and kind! My thoughts are with his family. Om Shanti!"

https://x.com/AnupamPKher/status/2016390994892362140?s=20

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Maharashtra's Deputy CM, Shri Ajit Pawar Ji. A seasoned leader, his contributions to Maharashtra's development and public service will be remembered for years to come. My heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of Maharashtra, and to the families of others who lost their lives in this tragic incident. Om Shanti," wrote Vivek Anand Oberoi on X.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh expressed his grief over Ajit Pawar's death on social media, describing the loss as immense and saying it leaves an irreplaceable void. He paid tribute to Pawar's contributions to Maharashtra and extended his condolences to the family and the people of the state during this tragic time.

"Deeply shocked and terribly heartbroken to learn that we have lost Ajit Dada in a tragic accident. One of Maharashtra's most dynamic leaders, he had zero tolerance for non-performance and constantly pushed and inspired those around him to excel. He never minced his words, his wit was unmatched, and he was deeply loved across the state. His untimely demise leaves behind a huge loss and an irreplaceable void. I have had the pleasure of interacting with him numerous times, will always remember for the kindness he showered upon me. My deepest condolences to the Pawar family, his loved ones, and millions of supporters," he wrote on X.

https://x.com/Riteishd/status/2016384828460212621?s=20

Kamal Haasan offered his condolences, saying, "Deeply saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati that claimed the life of Shri Ajit Pawar Ji, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and others. My condolences to my colleague Smt. @SunetraA_Pawar and to the families of all those who lost their lives. The nation mourns."

https://x.com/ikamalhaasan/status/2016433289649913953?s=20

Sonu Sood also express grief over the passing away of Ajit Pawar.

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar while speaking to ANI, said, "When I received the news of the plane crash, I felt extremely saddened. This is a very big loss for Maharashtra... He made a very significant contribution to Maharashtra. I have personally met him many times as well... I express my condolences to the entire Pawar family..."

Urmila Matondkar wrote, "Extremely sad..Heartfelt condolences..Om Shanti"

https://x.com/UrmilaMatondkar/status/2016402129628627275?s=20

Shilpa Shetty took to her Instagram stories and expressed her grief, saying, "Heartfelt condolences to the Pawar family. Rest in power Ajit dada. Lost a dynamic daring leader. Om Shanti

Actress Rakul Preet Singh also condoled the demise of veteran polotician.

Ajit Pawar, 66, died this morning after the aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. The plane crash-landed near the runway threshold, killing all five people on board the chartered plane. Among the deceased were his personal security officer, a flight attendant and two pilots.The crash occurred around 8.48 am, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau have dispatched probe teams to the site of the mishap to investigate.

Pawar was on his way to Baramati from Mumbai to campaign for the Zilla Panchayat elections.Earlier in the day, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MP Supriya Sule arrived at Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati to pay her respects to her late cousin brother Ajit Pawar.Additionally, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were present at Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati to pay their respects to the late NCP leader.

Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat was also present to pay his respects.Sunetra Pawar broke down while meeting members of the Pawar family after the untimely demise of her husband in a charter plane crash that claimed four more lives.Meanwhile, as part of the investigation into the crash, Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) officials were present at the office of VSR Ventures Private Limited, which operates the ill-fated charter plane. The AAIB team left the office after placing boxes of documents into vehicles.

Ajit Pawar's last rites will be performed with full state honours, the Maharashtra General Administration Department (Protocol) said.

Kiran, Trustee of Vidya Pratishthan, said that Pawar's last rites will be conducted tomorrow at 11 am."The mortal remains of Ajit Pawar will be kept at Vidya Pratishthan ground for the public to pay their last respects today. The last rites will be conducted tomorrow at 11 am," Kiran told ANI.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minsiter Devendra Fadnavis announced a state holiday and three days of mourning following the demise of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. During the three-day mourning period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings across Maharashtra where it is regularly hoisted. No government entertainment programmes will be organised during this period. All state government offices across Maharashtra will remain closed on Wednesday, January 28.

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