"Opposition is busy playing its cheap politics": Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Ajit Pawar's death

Recalling Pawar's long political journey and personal association on Wednesday, Shaina said the loss has shaken the entire state of Maharashtra.

"The entire Maharashtra has been shaken by Ajit Pawar's demise. We had family ties with him. He remained active in politics for 50 years... This is a big loss for Maharashtra," she said.

Along with Ajit Pawar, four others, his personal security officer (PSO), an attendant, and two crew members, also lost their lives in the crash.

Extending condolences to all the victims, Shaina named each of them and acknowledged their service.

"We pay our condolences to the family...Along with him, my condolences to Jadhavji, who was his personal security officer, Pinky Mali, who was the flight attendant on board, Captain Sumit Kapoor, who was the pilot of the flight, who had a flying experience of 16,500 hours, and Shambhavi Pathak, who was the co-pilot of this entire flight," she said.

Her remarks came after Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee hinted at possible foul play in the plane crash and demanded a Supreme Court probe into the incident.

Addressing the accusations, Shaina asked the opposition to set aside the conspiracy theory and recognise the gravity of the situation.

"... The opposition is busy playing its cheap politics. Mamata Banerjee and the AAP should rise to the occassion and understand that a leader who is 66 years old and has been the Dy CM of Maharashtra for 6 terms is not a small accolade. As far as the opposition is concerned, please keep your conspiracy theories at home," she accused.

Shaina further said that Pawar would be remembered as an efficient leader who worked at the grassroots level and delivered results on the ground.

"As someone who has risen through the ranks, this is his contribution, not just as an able administrator in Baramati, but someone who will be remembered as a new-age politician who delivered on the ground," she said.

She also requested that the incident be documented, which is essential for assessing flight safety and preventing a recurrence.

"We request that when this investigation is carried out, we all take very seriously the takeaways regarding our aircraft and air safety, so that no such incident happens to anyone in the future," she stated.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushmatai Andhare also expressed condolences over Ajit Pawar's death. While speaking to ANI Shiv Sens (UBT) leader said Dada listened to us even when he was in the opposition.

"Ajit Dada was a towering leader... He was a very approachable person... We have lost our Dada, the Dada who listened to us even when he was in the opposition..." she said.

Maharashtra Ministers Sanjay Shirsat and Uday Samant reflected on their recent memories with the Deputy Chief Minister and expressed disbelief over his untimely death.

Sanjay Shirsat said, "We were present at the cabinet meeting at the ministry yesterday... Even after his passing, it doesn't feel like Dada is gone. Dada's speciality was that once he said something, the work would get done. Ajit Dada lives on in everyone's hearts... We have lost a leader who cared for us..."

"This is a very sad incident, because I myself started my political career under the guidance of Ajit Dada. It was Ajit Dada who made me the state president of the NCP. This is such a great loss for Maharashtra. Until yesterday, Ajit Dada was in the cabinet meeting. Yesterday, around 7:15 PM, I even spoke to him on the phone, and nobody could have imagined that such a tragic event would occur," Uday Samant reminisced.

Futhermore, Chief Ministers from various states paid tributes to Ajit Pawar on his unfortunate death. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said that the state and the country "lost a noble person and good leader."

"This is very sad. I have met him several times. Maharashtra and the country have lost a noble person and a good leader. I express my condolences to his family...," he said.

Meanwhile, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his grief and assured the government would implement additional safety measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

"Ajit Pawar ji passed away today in an air crash. A major accident occurred there. I offer my condolences to Ajit Pawar and the other people and officials who were involved in that accident. An inquiry will definitely be conducted into the incident. After the inquiry, it will be revealed how such a major incident happened... To prevent such an incident from happening again in the future, the government and all of us will make every effort and will definitely take even more steps for safety," he said.

Additionally, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called it a "black day" and recognised Pawar's contributions in the state politics.

He said, "...He made unparalleled contributions to the progress and development of Maharashtra. Indeed, in Maharashtra, today is a black day. I, too, had deep relations with him. He was my friend. I pray to the Almighty to grant peace to his departed soul..."

Additionally, Congress leaders Bhupesh Baghel and Prithviraj Chavan recognised his death as an irreparable loss and prayed for strength for his family.

"This is undoubtedly an irreparable loss for Maharashtra politics. It is a tragic incident. I pray to God for the peace of his soul and that God gives his family the strength to bear this grief," Bhupesh Baghel said.

"... I heard about the sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash this morning. His death is a massive loss for all of us. He was a prominent leader and had the capability to lead Maharashtra...," Prithviraj Chavan said.

Maharashtra All India Congress Committee (AICC) Incharge Nivedith Alva also expressed grief over the death of Ajit Pawar and others aboard the plane.

"It is a very sad day when the Deputy CM of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, lost his life in a tragic air crash this morning. Our deepest condolences to his family, and also the families of the pilots, cabin crew and his security personnel on board, who also lost their lives...," he said.