Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, right, with state National Conference President Farooq Abdullah. File.
| Photo Credit: PTI
National Conference (NC) leaders Dr. Farooq Abdullah and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) expressed shock and grief over the death of Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, in a plane crash. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed his condolences.
Dr. Abdullah said India lost one of its great sons in the demise of Pawar. “Pawar’s death is heartbreaking. A great son of Maharashtra, he sincerely tried to change the destiny of the state. The contribution of the deceased politician will never be forgotten,” Dr. Abdullah said.
He said the death was “an irreparable loss” not only to the entire Pawar family but also for the entire nation. “I pray for peace for the departed soul and seek strength for the family to bear his loss,” he added.
Omar Abdullah also expressed shock over the incident. “I’ve known Ajit da since my days in college in Bombay when I stayed with Sharad Pawar Saab and his family at Varsha. Ajit da was an able administrator and a consummate political organiser whose loss will be greatly felt,” Mr. Abdullah said, in an X post.
“I join my father [National Conference president Farooq Abdullah] in sending our condolences to Sharad Pawar Saab, Supriya [Sule] and the entire family,” the chief minister wrote.
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said Pawar served his State with distinction. “It is with shock and deep sadness that I learnt about the untimely demise of Shri Ajit Pawar Ji. He was a widely respected leader who was committed to the well-being of the people and who served Maharashtra with distinction. My condolences to his family and admirers,” the L-G said, in an X post.
Pawar (66) and four others were killed after a private aircraft crashed at Baramati in Pune district on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) morning.
Published – January 28, 2026 10:41 pm IST
