D.K. Shivakumar Expresses Shock Over Ajit Pawar’s Death, Urges Caution in Travel

Bengaluru, Jan 2026 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday said he was deeply shocked and stunned by the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, describing the incident as a painful reminder for political leaders to exercise greater caution while travelling.

Speaking to reporters near his residence in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the news of Pawar’s demise was difficult to comprehend. “The death of the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar is shocking. I was stunned when I heard about it. As politicians, we must be extremely cautious while travelling from place to place. We have lost many leaders in similar incidents over the years,” he said, reflecting on the repeated loss of public figures in travel-related accidents.

Recalling his personal and political association with Pawar, Shivakumar described him as a forward-looking leader with a progressive mindset. “Ajit Pawar was a leader with highly progressive thinking. Only recently, the Maharashtra Chief Minister had publicly stated that Pawar was extending full cooperation in governance and development works,” he noted. Expressing his condolences, Shivakumar added, “May his soul rest in peace. May God give strength to his family members, supporters, and well-wishers to bear this immense loss.”

He also mentioned that Pawar’s family shared close ties with Bengaluru. “His family has longstanding connections in Bengaluru. Just on Tuesday, I had met some of his relatives here,” Shivakumar said, underscoring the personal impact of the tragedy.

Highlighting Pawar’s long political journey, Shivakumar said the late leader had played a significant role in shaping Maharashtra’s politics over the years. “Ajit Pawar was a senior leader who went through several political phases. He left his party and later returned for political reasons, but I do not wish to comment on those developments now. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra,” he added.

Responding to questions about recent aircraft accidents and speculation over technical faults, Shivakumar said it would be inappropriate to draw conclusions before the official investigation is completed. “I will speak after a detailed report comes out. I am not an expert on technical faults. I have only heard what friends from Mumbai have told me,” he said.

Earlier in the day, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for a detailed probe into the Baramati plane crash that claimed Pawar’s life along with four others. Former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa also expressed grief, calling the incident a tragic loss for Maharashtra and the nation.