On January 28, 2026, Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar died when his Learjet crashed near Baramati. The plane caught fire during its landing attempt, tragically killing everyone on board the private flight. Pawar was traveling to Baramati from Mumbai to speak at various local election campaign events. After veering off the runway, the VSR Aviation aircraft exploded, leaving no survivors at the scene. Officials confirmed the deaths of the pilot, co-pilot, two staff members, and the Deputy CM.
Who Ajit Pawar Was
Ajit Pawar was a prominent political veteran and a highly influential leader within Maharashtra state politics. He served as Deputy Chief Minister repeatedly while managing vital finance and rural development government portfolios. Coming from a powerful family, he was Sharad Pawar’s nephew and Supriya Sule’s first cousin.
Pawar established a massive political stronghold and held significant sway over voters in rural Maharashtra. Following a 2023 realignment, he moved his NCP faction into an alliance with the BJP. He remained Deputy Chief Minister after the Mahayuti alliance secured victory in the 2024 assembly elections.
Sequence of the Crash
- The aircraft took off from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai early on Wednesday morning.
- As the jet approached Baramati Airport at around 08:48 IST, it attempted to land during conditions that included poor visibility and limited air traffic control support.
- The plane skidded off the runway threshold, veered off course, and exploded upon impact, sparking a massive fireball that destroyed the jet.
- Emergency responders could not rescue anyone, and the crash site remained engulfed in flames, complicating immediate recovery efforts.
Reactions From Leaders and Public Figures
News of Pawar’s death prompted immediate national reaction:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and highlighted Pawar’s commitment to public service and community empowerment.
- Maharashtra leaders, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, called his death a “deep loss for the state” and praised Pawar’s administrative skills, describing him as a fearless and direct leader.
- The Maharashtra government declared a three-day state mourning period, during which many schools and public institutions closed to pay tribute.
Investigation and Immediate Aftermath
Authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. The DGCA and aviation safety agencies are examining flight data, weather conditions, and maintenance records to determine the cause. The absence of an air traffic control tower at Baramati’s airfield and limited runway guidance are expected to be key focus areas of the inquiry.
Local leaders and residents gathered at the site and at hospitals where bodies were taken, sharing grief and memories of Pawar’s political career. Supporters have called for improved aviation safety standards at smaller airports.
Conclusion
The death of Ajit Pawar in this tragic aviation accident marks a significant turning point in Maharashtra politics. As a seasoned leader with decades of influence and power, his sudden loss creates a leadership vacuum within his party faction and raises questions about the future political landscape in the state. Investigators continue to work to determine the exact cause of the crash, and mourning continues across the region as the state reflects on the life and legacy of one of its most prominent leaders.
Also read: Sources: Mohsin Naqvi Presents Trophy to UAE Board as BCCI Considers Impeachment Action
Also Read: Basant Panchami and Netaji Jayanti Celebrated Nationwide on January 23, 2026
