Ajit Pawar Dies in Tragic Plane Crash Near Baramati — Maharashtra and National Leaders in Mourning

Maharashtra and the nation woke up to devastating news on January 28, 2026, as Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, lost his life in a tragic aircraft crash near Baramati in Pune district. The incident not only claimed the life of Ajit Pawar, but also took the lives of four others on board the aircraft, plunging political and civic circles into shock and grief.

The chartered Learjet 45XR aircraft, carrying Ajit Pawar and a small entourage including security personnel and crew members, was en route from Mumbai to Baramati early on Wednesday morning. Authorities confirmed that the aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport amid challenging conditions. Tragically, no one survived the accident, and all on board, including Ajit Pawar, were declared dead at the scene after the aircraft burst into flames upon impact.

The Crash Event and Initial Details

According to aviation and airport officials, the plane departed from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport with Ajit Pawar and others on board. As the aircraft approached Baramati for landing, it encountered difficulties during its final descent. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane veer off course and collide with the ground near the runway threshold, followed by a massive explosion and fire that engulfed the wreckage.

Investigators from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) immediately launched a probe into the incident. Early indications suggest that poor visibility and possible technical issues may have contributed to the tragic outcome, though definitive conclusions await detailed examination of flight data and cockpit voice recorders.

Eyewitnesses near the Baramati crash site painted a harrowing picture of the moments following the accident. One onlooker described multiple explosions after the plane struck the ground, with thick black smoke and intense flames preventing rescue efforts from reaching those trapped inside. Villagers and emergency responders alike were left devastated by the scale of destruction visible at the crash site.

Ajit Pawar: A Stalwart in Maharashtra Politics

The death of Ajit Pawar marks a significant moment in Maharashtra’s political history. Born on July 22, 1959, in Ahmednagar district, Ajit Pawar rose through the ranks of local and state politics over more than three decades, building a reputation as a seasoned administrator and influential leader deeply connected to rural constituencies.

Ajit Pawar began his career in the cooperative sector, where he first gained prominence by serving on the board of a local sugar factory in the early 1980s. He later became chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank, a position that helped him forge a powerful grassroots base. His deep roots in cooperative institutions and rural economic development became defining elements of his political identity.

In 1991, Ajit Pawar was elected as a legislator from the Baramati constituency, going on to win multiple elections and becoming one of the longest-serving politicians in the state. Over the years, he held key portfolios including Finance and Planning, Water Resources, Energy, Rural Development, and State Excise. His tenure as Finance Minister was notable for his hands-on approach to budget preparation and fiscal management — skills that earned him widespread respect even beyond party lines.

As Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar served under various governments, demonstrating political adaptability and strategic acumen amid shifting alliances. His ability to navigate coalition politics and manage complex legislative challenges made him a central figure in Maharashtra’s governance.

Political Reactions and Mourning Across the Nation

News of Ajit Pawar’s death triggered an outpouring of condolences from political leaders across India. The Prime Minister expressed profound grief, highlighting Ajit Pawar’s decades of public service, administrative knowledge, and commitment to social upliftment. Leaders from major national parties, including members of the ruling coalition as well as opposition groups, paid tribute to his contributions to state and national politics.

In Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a period of official mourning and ordered flags to fly at half-mast across government buildings. Senior leaders described Ajit Pawar as a fearless and straightforward leader who was deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Maharashtra.

Eknath Shinde, the leader of the Shiv Sena faction allied with the state government, fondly recalled his collaboration with Ajit Pawar in the cabinet, praising his analytical approach to decision-making and governance. Other leaders lauded his grassroots connect and ability to bridge diverse political interests.

Impact on Maharashtra’s Political Landscape

The loss of Ajit Pawar leaves a leadership vacuum within Maharashtra’s political framework, especially within the Nationalist Congress Party faction he led after splitting from the original party structure in 2023. His faction had become an important pillar of the ruling alliance in the state, making his death a matter of immediate strategic concern for alliance partners and rival parties alike.

Political analysts suggest that Ajit Pawar’s absence could reshape power dynamics ahead of upcoming local and state elections. His leadership had been instrumental in mobilizing support in rural and cooperative sectors, particularly in the agriculturally significant regions of western Maharashtra. With his passing, questions now arise regarding succession within the party framework and how his supporters will realign their political loyalties.

Investigation Underway

The DGCA has taken the lead in investigating the crash, with teams working to retrieve and analyse technical data from the aircraft. Early reports indicate that Ajit Pawar’s Learjet may have faced visibility challenges during its final approach, but investigators have cautioned that no conclusions can be drawn until complete data is reviewed.

Officials have also noted that the aircraft involved belonged to a fleet with a prior incident history, though previous crashes did not result in fatalities. Detailed examination of maintenance records, pilot communications, and air traffic control logs will be central to understanding what went wrong during this fatal flight.

Remembering a Life of Public Service

Amid the grief, tributes from ordinary citizens in Baramati and across Maharashtra reflect the deep emotional impact of Ajit Pawar’s death. Residents described him as a leader who understood local issues and worked to bring development to previously neglected areas. His efforts in infrastructure, irrigation, education, and cooperative growth shaped the lives of thousands of constituents.

Family members, including his wife and two sons, now face an uncertain future without their patriarch. Memorial services are expected to be held in Baramati, drawing political figures from across the country as they honor Ajit Pawar’s legacy and extend condolences to his grieving family.

Conclusion

The tragic death of Ajit Pawar in an aircraft accident near Baramati stands as a significant moment in Maharashtra’s political history. His multifaceted career — marked by grassroots engagement, administrative leadership, and strategic political influence — made him a towering figure in regional and national affairs. As investigations continue and political dynamics evolve in the wake of this loss, Ajit Pawar will be remembered as a dedicated public servant whose life was deeply intertwined with the progress and governance of Maharashtra.