Last Call at 8:37 AM: Ajit Pawar’s Final Words Before Tragic Plane Crash
Mumbai:
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has released details of the final phone conversation of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, shedding light on his thoughts and priorities just minutes before his fatal plane crash on January 28.
According to party sources, Ajit Pawar spoke at around 8:37 am to party worker and relative Shrijeet Pawar shortly before boarding the aircraft bound for Baramati. In what has now emerged as his last recorded conversation, Pawar emphasised unity, inclusiveness, and fair representation across all religions and castes.
Shrijeet Pawar recalled that he had sent a message to Ajit Pawar earlier, and the veteran leader returned the call as soon as his phone regained network coverage. During the brief exchange, Pawar spoke about ensuring justice and representation in political decision-making, particularly in the selection of candidates for local body elections.
“He said clearly that everyone — all castes and all religions — must be taken along,” Shrijeet said. “Those words reflect how he thought till his final moments.”
Audio Released to Convey His Message
The NCP stated that the audio recording of the conversation was made public to convey Ajit Pawar’s message of social harmony to the people of Maharashtra. Party leaders said the call reflects Pawar’s consistent political approach, focused on inclusiveness rather than division.
“This audio shows what Ajit Dada believed in till his last breath,” the party said in a statement.
Focus on Party Unity
Before his death, Ajit Pawar was also actively working towards reuniting the two factions of the NCP. Close aides confirmed that discussions were at an advanced stage and that Pawar believed party unity was essential for strengthening its political future in Maharashtra.
A senior associate said Pawar felt the merger was “almost complete” and could reshape the party’s direction after recent local elections.
Details of the Crash
Ajit Pawar departed Mumbai around 8:00 am in a Learjet 45 operated by a private aviation firm. The aircraft crashed near Baramati airport at approximately 8:45 am while attempting a second landing approach.
Along with Pawar, the crash claimed the lives of his personal security officer, an aide, and two crew members — the pilot and co-pilot.
A Political Legacy
Ajit Pawar was one of Maharashtra’s most experienced political leaders and served as Deputy Chief Minister six times under different governments. His sudden death has left a major void in the state’s political landscape.
Following the tragedy, his wife Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister and appointed Guardian Minister of Pune, a role long held by Ajit Pawar.
As Maharashtra continues to mourn his loss, Pawar’s final words — centred on equality, inclusion, and unity — have resonated deeply across political and social circles.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Bharatiya News staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
