Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar and Industry Minister Uday Samant had a narrow escape on Wednesday, as the pilot of a helicopter in which they were flying from Nagpur to Gqdchiroli in eastern Maharashtra lost the route because of bad weather conditions and poor visibility, but managed to land the chopper safely.
Fadnavis, Pawar and Samant heaved sigh of relief as they survived what would have been a major mishap, after a circumspect pilot skilfully navigated the chopper through the monsoon clouds and hazy weather conditions and landed safely.
The three VIPs were on their way to lay a foundation stone for a Rs 10,000 crore Surjagad Ispat integrated steel project in Aheri taluka of Gadchiroli district, when they had an unforgettable experience in the air.
More than Fadnavis and Samant, it was Pawar who was most worried when the helicopter lost its route in the clouds, a fact he did not hide at all. He also went on record saying that Fadnavis assured him that they will tide over the problem caused by the inclement weather.
Speaking at the Surjagad Ispat integrated steel project’s foundation laying function, Ajitdada – as Ajit Pawar is known as in the state political circles – recalled the scary experience he had while in the air: ‘’Helicopter took off properly from Nagpur for Gadchiroli. I was quite comfortable after the take-off. I was watching the clouds. I also told Fadnavis to see them. However, I became anxious during the journey when the helicopter lost its route due to monsoon clouds”.
“On his part, Fadnavis was quite calm and chatted with me. I was getting restless and worried. However, Fadnavis told me not to worry, saying that he had escaped safely six such accidents earlier. He told me not to worry: we will survive this as well,” Ajitdada said.
“Even Uday Samant told me to look out at the landing site found by the pilot. After seeing the site from the window I heaved a sigh of relief,’’ the NCP (AP) chief said.
“Today being Ashadhi Ekadashi, I kept praying to Lord Panduranga. Despite my fears, Fadnavis continued to advise me to stay calm. When Uday Samant told me to look for the landing site. After looking at it from the window I heaved a sigh of relief,’’ the NCP (AP) chief said.
The blessings of their ancestors played a crucial role in their safe landing,” Ajitdada said, as heaped praise on the pilot for navigating the chopper skilfully.
