Recalling a harrowing mid-air experience during a flight to Gadchiroli in July 2024, Ajit Pawar described chanting Lord Pandurang’s name amidst near-zero visibility due to heavy rain and fog. He recounted how then deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis remained calm, reassuring him of his safety, an anecdote now tinged with sadness following Pawar’s tragic death.