Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s top political leadership, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik, have expressed deep sorrow and offered heartfelt condolences following the tragic crash of the Air India Ahmedabad–London flight today. The incident, which saw a London-bound Air India flight (AI 171) carrying 242 passengers and crew meet with a catastrophic accident shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, has sent shockwaves across the nation.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi took to X (formerly Twitter) to convey his anguish. “The news of the ill-fated Air India Ahmedabad–London flight crash has left me deeply saddened,” Majhi stated. “My heartfelt prayers are with the passengers, crew, and their grieving families. I sincerely pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for the safety of those who have survived and for strength to the bereaved.” He further emphasized Odisha’s solidarity with the people of Gujarat and all those impacted by this unfortunate event.
Similarly, Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and President of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), also extended his condolences. In a message posted on X, Shri Patnaik wrote, “Deeply anguished to learn about the disastrous crash of the Ahmedabad-London Air India flight with hundreds of people onboard. My thoughts and prayers are with the families devastated by this tragic incident.”
The pronouncements from both the Chief Minister and the Opposition Leader underscore the collective grief felt across Odisha in the wake of this national tragedy. While details on the casualties and any specific connections to Odisha are still emerging, the state’s leadership has been quick to offer words of comfort and support to all affected by the devastating aviation disaster. National efforts for rescue, relief, and investigation are currently underway.