An early morning airplane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has left the state in deep shock and mourning. News of the tragedy spread rapidly, triggering an outpouring of grief from political leaders, officials, and citizens across Maharashtra.
This tragic incident has also brought back memories of several Indian politicians and prominent personalities who lost their lives in plane crashes over the years. Such air disasters have, at different times, altered the course of politics and public life in the country, leaving lasting impacts on governance and national sentiment.
Sanjay Gandhi died when the aircraft he was flying himself crashed near Safdarjung Airport.
Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Madhavrao Scindia died after his private aircraft crashed while he was travelling to Kanpur to address a rally.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker and Telugu Desam Party leader G. M. C. Balayogi died in a helicopter crash in Andhra Pradesh.
Former Haryana minister Om Prakash Jindal died in a helicopter crash.
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy died when his helicopter crashed in the dense Nallamala forests.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu died in a helicopter crash.
General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 11 other military personnel were killed in a tragic Mi-17V5 helicopter crash.