Bengaluru, 28 Jan

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday expressed shock over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, calling it a “huge loss” and urging politicians to exercise greater caution while travelling.

Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar said Pawar’s death was disturbing and recalled the loss of several leaders in similar incidents. “Ajit Pawar's death is shocking… We as politicians should be very careful,” he said.

Remembering him as a progressive leader, Shivakumar said Pawar had earned confidence across party lines and noted his personal ties to Bengaluru.

He declined to comment on Pawar’s past political decisions and said it was premature to speculate on the cause of the crash without an official report.

CM Siddaramaiah called Pawar’s demise a “profound loss to public life” and said, “May his soul rest in peace.”

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, BJP President BY Vijayendra, former CM BS Yediyurappa and Opposition Leader R Ashoka also expressed condolences.