Ajit Pawar's last call before death in plane crash revealed
What's the story
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has released the audio of Ajit Pawar's last phone conversation before he died in a plane crash. The 66-year-old politician was speaking to party member Shrijeet Pawar before his flight from Mumbai to Baramati. The crash occurred during a landing attempt near Baramati airport on January 28, killing all on board.
Last words
Last conversation focused on unity and equality
In his last conversation, Ajit spoke about unity and equality among all religions and castes. Shrijeet recalled sending a message to Ajit, who called back as soon as he got network coverage. "Ajit Dada and I are from the same village. I had sent him a message regarding a certain matter. He called me as soon as he got network coverage. He said that we are taking all castes and religions along with us," he said.
Tragic incident
Crash details and election rallies
The audio was released to ensure that Ajit's final thoughts reach the masses. Shrijeet said the call recording shows "Ajit Dada's thinking of taking every community along without any discrimination." "I messaged him when he was in the aircraft and I think when his phone got a range, he called me to explain his decision only 10 minutes before the crash," he added.
Political void
Wife takes over Ajit's post
The crash occurred around 8:45am while attempting a second approach to Baramati Airport. Ajit was on his way to address four election rallies in Baramati ahead of local body polls. His personal security officer, attendant, pilot-in-command Sumit Kapur and first officer Shambhavi Pathak were also killed in the crash. Ajit's wife, Sunetra, has since been appointed the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra alongside Eknath Shinde.