Actor Riteish Deshmukh expressed deep sorrow over reports of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash, calling him ‘Maharashtra’s most respected leader’.
On January 28, 2026, Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, passed away. In a plane disaster in Baramati, Maharashtra, he perished. The landing was when the accident happened. The film and television industries are in deep sorrow at his passing. Rahul Vaidya, a singer, offered condolences and posted an old picture of himself on social media. Riteish Deshmukh was left shattered by the death of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Sharing his picture of the late deputy CM, the actor penned an emotional note.
Riteish Deshmukh heartbroken with Ajit Pawar’s death news
Riteish Deshmukh wrote on his Instagram story, “It is deeply saddening to learn that we have lost Ajit Dada in an accident. One of Maharashtra’s most passionate leaders, he had no tolerance for a lack of work. He constantly inspired those around him to move forward. He never minced words. His wisdom was unmatched, and he was deeply loved throughout the state. His sudden departure has left a profound loss and an unfilled void.”
The actor further penned, “I had the opportunity to speak with him several times, and I will always remember the kindness he showed me. My deepest condolences to the Pawar family, his loved ones, and his millions of supporters.”
Take a look below:
Singer Rahul Vaidya shared a photo with Ajit Pawar, in which the two are posing for the camera. Rahul captioned the photo, “Very shocking. Dada, rest in peace. Om Shanti.”
How did Deputy CM Ajit Pawar die?
Ajit Pawar and four others died in a plane crash in Pune district on Wednesday morning, officials said. The Deputy Chief Minister was traveling from Mumbai to Baramati to attend a public rally amid ongoing elections to the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samitis. His plane crashed while landing near Baramati. The accident occurred around 9 a.m.
