Mumbai, Jan. 28 -- In a tragic accident that sent shock in Maharashtra and also in political circles across the country, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash while on his way to Baramati, where he was scheduled to attend functions.

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister, was among the most prominent leaders in Maharashtra. President Droupadi Mumru, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders from political spectrum recalled his contributions in service of people in long years in politics and paid tributes.

The plane carrying Ajit Pawar crash-landed near the runway threshold, killing all five people on board the chartered plane. Among the deceased were his personal securi...