Nation Mourns: Congress Leadership and Political Leaders Across India Grieve the Loss of Ajit Pawar

New Delhi, Jan 2026 : Senior leaders of the Congress party, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with prominent leaders from across the political spectrum, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar, who lost his life in a plane crash on Wednesday. The incident, which also claimed the lives of other passengers on board, has sent shockwaves through political circles nationwide and plunged Maharashtra into collective mourning.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi described the news as “extremely heartbreaking.” In a post on X, he said that the sudden loss of Ajit Pawar and his fellow travellers was deeply distressing. Rahul Gandhi expressed solidarity with the people of Maharashtra during this moment of grief and extended heartfelt condolences to the Pawar family and their loved ones, emphasizing that the tragedy had left the entire nation shaken.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also conveyed profound anguish over the incident, calling the demise of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash “deeply shocking and profoundly distressing.” He noted that Pawar’s passing was an untimely loss of a leader who still had a long and impactful political journey ahead. Kharge stated that no words could adequately capture the pain being endured by the bereaved family and extended his deepest condolences to Pawar’s family, supporters, and well-wishers. Remembering Pawar as a seasoned politician, Kharge said he would be remembered for serving the people of Maharashtra with sincerity, dedication, and political acumen.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed her grief, terming the incident “extremely heartbreaking.” In her message, she prayed for peace for the departed souls and extended condolences to senior leader Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, the entire Pawar family, and Ajit Pawar’s supporters, acknowledging the deep personal and political loss suffered by them.

Leaders from other parties and states also joined in expressing their condolences. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar, describing it as a profound loss to public life. He conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to Pawar’s family, colleagues, and supporters, and prayed for strength for his loved ones to endure the irreparable loss.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav termed the incident “extremely tragic,” offering prayers for the departed soul and extending deep condolences to the bereaved family. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav said he was deeply pained and stunned by the sudden demise of the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, offering his heartfelt condolences to Pawar’s family, friends, and followers.

As tributes poured in from across the country, Ajit Pawar was remembered as a committed public servant whose political career and administrative work had a significant impact on the lives of millions in Maharashtra. His sudden passing has left a void in public life, with leaders across party lines acknowledging his contribution to governance and public service.