Sports Fraternity Condoles The Demise Of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

The Indian sports fraternity condoled the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday. Amid ongoing elections to the Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis, Dy CM Ajit Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to attend a public meeting. The incident occurred around 9 a.m., an hour after the plane took off from Mumbai, claiming the lives of NCP chief and five others. India Olympic Association (IOA) chief PT Usha, India cricketing great Sachin Tendulkar and others mourned the death of the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who was popularly known as 'Dada' and was a dominant force in Maharashtra politics. He also served as the chief of the Maharashtra Olympic Association.

"Shocked & saddened by the sudden passing away of Deputy CM of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar ji. His absence will be felt in sports, as he served as the President of Maharashtra Olympic Association. My heartfelt condolences with his family, friends and supporters. Om Shanti," PT Usha shared on Instagram.

"Very sad to learn about the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji. Maharashtra has lost a dedicated leader who worked for the people, across the state. May God grant his soul peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti," Sachin shared on X.

Former India cricketer and TMC MP Yusuf Pathan said, "Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar in the tragic plane crash. He was a dedicated leader who served the state with utmost commitment and integrity. His contributions to public service and the development of the state will always be remembered."

"In this moment of profound grief, my thoughts and prayers are with his family, followers, and the people of the state. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace. There should be a proper investigation into this crash," he added.

Olympic medallist boxer Vijender Singh added, "The news of the tragic plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, resulting in the death of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and National President of NCP, Ajit Pawar Ji, along with many others, is extremely painful and heart-wrenching. May God give peace to the departed souls and strength to the grieving families to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!"

Indian cricketer Rahane said, "Saddened by the tragic passing of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar dada. My thoughts are with his family."

Former Indian Cricket captain and current Minister for Public Enterprises & Minority Welfare in Govt of Telangana Mohammed Azharuddin posted on X, "Deeply shaken by the news of Ajit Pawar's plane crash. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his family find the strength and courage to endure this profound loss."

Pawar represented the Baramati Assembly constituency seven consecutive times since 1991, winning by massive margins every time. His power base was rooted in Maharashtra's cooperative sector.

He also served as the chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank (PDC) for 16 years and has immense influence over sugar cooperatives and milk unions. He had held almost every major ministerial portfolio in Maharashtra, including Water Resources, Power, and Rural Development, under various Chief Ministers (Vilasrao Deshmukh, Ashok Chavan, Prithviraj Chavan, and Uddhav Thackeray).

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