Actor Riteish Deshmukh took to X to express his grief over the untimely demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who perished on January 28, 2026, in a Learjet 45 crash near Baramati. In his heartfelt post, 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..."
Deshmukh’s tribute praised Pawar’s wit, dynamism, and the kindness he extended during their personal interactions. Accompanying the post were three images capturing the late Deputy CM in formal appearances, public addresses, and candid moments of warmth with colleagues, reflecting the multifaceted personality he embodied throughout his political career.
Ajit Pawar, aged 66, was Maharashtra’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister and a key NCP veteran. The crash, which claimed Pawar and four others while landing from Mumbai, is the latest in a string of high-profile aviation tragedies in India, following the deaths of CDS Bipin Rawat in 2021 and former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani in 2025.
Public responses to Deshmukh’s post ranged from condolences by political leaders, including PM Modi and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, to calls for aviation safety reforms. While many mourned Pawar’s contributions to state politics, others highlighted controversies during his tenure, including past corruption allegations, underscoring his polarizing yet influential presence in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Deshmukh concluded his tribute by emphasizing Pawar’s enduring impact on those around him: "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."
The post reflects the personal grief of public figures like Deshmukh and the broader sense of loss felt across Maharashtra and India as citizens reckon with the sudden passing of one of the state’s most prominent leaders.