Prominent Indian politician Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash

NEW DELHI — A private plane carrying the deputy chief minister of India’s Maharashtra state crashed on Wednesday, killing all five people on board, authorities said. The plane, which took off from the state capital Mumbai carrying Ajit Pawar and four others on board, crash-landed and burst into flames in an open field near the airport in Baramati, some 250 kilometers away, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).The reason for the crash was not immediately known. Television footage showed smoke rising from the wreckage.Flightradar24, an online flight tracking service, said the aircraft was attempting a second approach to Baramati airport when it crashed.The Times of India newspaper quoted DGCA officials as saying the aircraft, a Learjet 45 operated by a company called VSR, crashed at about 8:45 am local time (03:15 GMT).Pawar, the nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar, was traveling to Baramati, his home city, campaign in a local election when the privately-operated aircraft went down.Pawar, 66, was a key figure in state politics and served as the second highest elected official in Maharashtra as part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling coalition in the state. He wielded considerable influence in the the state’s sugar belt and was known for his ability to mobilize rural voters.“His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy,” Modi said on X. “His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers.” — Agencies