Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, passed away this morning (January 28) in a horrific plane crash in his birthplace of Baramati. The 66 year-old leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was travelling with five other individuals who died in the collision. The entire nation was shocked to learn about a political leader's tragic demise. Ritiesh Deshmukh, Ajay Devgn, Anupam Kher, and others pay their heartfelt respects to the veteran politician on social media.
Riteish Deshmukh mourned the untimely passing of Ajit Pawar on his Instagram story as well X (earlier Twitter) account. In the note, he affectionately referred to him as 'Ajit Dada' and stated that the late politician would not put up with non-performance.
Riteish Deshmukh wrote, "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."
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… pic.twitter.com/nGQ3M1xf0Z
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) January 28, 2026
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Ajay Devgn took to his X handle to express his sorrow after news of Ajit Pawar's demise. He offered the late politician's family and loved ones his sincere sympathies.
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.
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) January 28, 2026
Om Shanti 🙏🏻
Anupam Kher is 'deeply shocked' by Ajit Dada Pawar's passing. The actor wrote in his emotional statement that the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister was always very nice and gentle.
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! 🙏🕉 pic.twitter.com/X0deqc6Z0W
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) January 28, 2026
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Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar honoured the late Ajit Pawar with a message posted on his social media account. The Fashion movie director said that the Maharashtra deputy chief minister was a prominent figure in state politics while mourning his untimely demise.
Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji . A towering figure in state politics, his loss is irreparable. Thoughts are with Sunetra ji , Parth, Jay, & the entire Pawar family members during this incredibly difficult time. Strength to them. #OmShanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/5KJUSoqqXu
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) January 28, 2026
Ajit Pawar has been Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister since December 2024. He served several terms in high office and had considerable influence inside the Nationalist Congress Party, making him one of the state's most seasoned leaders, before changing political allegiances.
May his soul rest in peace.