Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar (66), died in a plane accident today, along with four other individuals who were on board the aircraft. The plane crashed while landing at Baramati, Pune. Ajit Pawar was a major political leader in Maharashtra. This incident brings to mind the many previous instances of Indian political leaders dying in aviation accidents over the years.
Also Read: India to Cut EU Car Import Tariffs to 40% From 110%
Ajit Pawar
Ajit Pawar, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, died in a plane crash today while he was traveling on the NCP aircraft that was attempting to land at Pune Airport in Baramati. It has been reported that four additional people named Vidip Jadhav, Pinki Mali, Sumit Kapoor, and Shambhavi Pathak who were also on the flight have died.
Sanjay Gandhi
Sanjay Gandhi also lost his life in the same fashion in an aircraft crash while practicing aerobatic stunts at the Delhi Flying Club. His aircraft also impacted on the ground near the Safdarjung Airport.
Vijay Rupani
Vijay Rupani, former chief minister of Gujarat, died in an aviation accident in Ahmedabad after boarding an Air India flight bound for London. As per the reports, after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport, the Air India flight crashed, killing a total of 241 people on board.
Dorjee Khandu
Dorjee Khandu was the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, and he died in a helicopter crash. He was traveling from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh when the helicopter crashed in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
YS Rajasekhara Reddy
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy died in the Nallamala forests, where his Bell helicopter crashed. Bad weather caused the helicopter to lose control and crash into the forest.
OP Jindal
OP Jindal, one of the ministers from Haryana, died in a helicopter crash while traveling from Delhi to Chandigarh. It crashed into Saharanpur, UP near Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
KS Sowmya
KS Sowmya an actress from South Indian films, was killed during the helicopter crash that came from Bengaluru. Had been to Karimnagar for a wedding, along with her sibling. She is best remembered for her role as Swarnalatha in the movie Sooryavansham.
GMC Balayogi
GMC Balayogi died when the helicopter crashed into a pond. The Lok Sabha Speaker (TDP) was travelling in a private helicopter. The helicopter wreck landed in an area near Kaikalur, Andhra Pradesh.
Madhavrao Scindia
Madhav Rao Scindia, former aviation minister, passed away in an aircraft accident when a ten-seat airplane crashed due to poor weather conditions close to Mandi District.
Also Read: 76 Years Ago, 264 Members Signed India’s Constitution
As can be seen, the above incidents highlight that politicians face a significant risk when using aircraft. These accidents occurred when weather or mechanical failures caused the crash. India has experienced too many similar tragedies and continues to mourn for those lost in tragic circumstances.