PM Modi Remembers Ajit Pawar on Birth Anniversary, Pays Tribute to His Contribution to Maharashtra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday remembered Maharashtra’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Anantrao Pawar on his birth anniversary and paid tribute to his contribution to society and the state’s development. Ajit Anantrao Pawar was born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara, Maharashtra. He was popularly known as "Ajit Dada"(meaning elder brother) among his supporters and people across Maharashtra.

Sharing a post on X, PM Modi recalled Ajit Pawar’s role in Maharashtra politics and praised his contribution to public service. He wrote,

“Remembering Shri Ajit Pawar Ji on his birth anniversary. His service to society and contribution to Maharashtra’s development were noteworthy. He was widely respected by all sections of society. The NDA Government in the state is working tirelessly to realise his vision.”

Plane Crash Claims Life of Ajit Pawar

Ajit Pawar died on January 28, 2026, after the aircraft he was travelling in crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport in Maharashtra. The business jet, carrying Pawar and four others, caught fire after veering off the runway, killing everyone on board.

The aircraft was a 16-year-old Learjet 45XR operated by VSR Aviation. At the time of the incident, Pawar was travelling to Baramati to address public meetings ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections.

Following his death, the Maharashtra government announced a three-day state mourning period, and his last rites were performed in Baramati with full state honours on January 29, 2026.

Pawar Wanted To Meet His Mother Before Campaign

After Ajit Pawar’s death, NCP leader Kiran Gujar revealed that his first plan after reaching Baramati was to visit his mother at their Katewadi residence. After meeting her, he was scheduled to continue campaigning for party candidates contesting the Zilla Parishad elections.

PM Modi Wishes Devendra Fadnavis On Birthday

Meanwhile, PM Modi also extended birthday greetings to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. In another post on X, he wrote,

“Greetings to Maharashtra CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji on his birthday. Under his leadership, Maharashtra is scaling new heights of growth across diverse sectors. I pray for his long and healthy life.”

Devendra Fadnavis is the current and 18th Chief Minister of Maharashtra and is serving his third term in office since December 5, 2024. A senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Fadnavis has also previously served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.