Maha Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Dies in Tragic Plane Crash
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar has died in a devastating plane crash on the morning of January 28, 2026. The aircraft, a Learjet 45XR (registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR Ventures, was en route from Mumbai to Baramati for a series of scheduled public meetings ahead of the local body elections when it came down near Baramati airport while attempting to land.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), all on board perished in the accident. The five passengers included Pawar, two pilots and his security personnel. Initial reports suggest the aircraft encountered difficulty during its final approach, lost control and crash-landed off the side of the runway before bursting into flames.
Visuals emerging from the crash site show thick smoke rising from the wreckage, with wreckage strewn across the field and fire engines battling the blaze. Emergency responders, including police and medical teams, rushed to the scene but were unable to save any of the occupants.
Ajit Pawar, aged 66, was a towering figure in Maharashtra politics, known for his long service and deep roots in the state’s cooperative movement. He held the post of Deputy Chief Minister under multiple administrations and was also the chief of the faction of the NCP that aligned with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In 2023, he led a high-profile split from the party founded by his uncle, Sharad Pawar, later joining the ruling alliance and serving in the state cabinet.
News of Pawar’s death prompted immediate reactions from across India’s political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called his passing “shocking and saddening,” highlighting his commitment to public service and grassroots connection. Union Home Minister Amit Shah described it as a personal loss, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep sorrow, paying tribute to Pawar’s dedication to the development of Maharashtra. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also conveyed profound condolences to the family and supporters.
Sharad Pawar and Baramati MP Supriya Sule, who were attending Parliament in Delhi at the time, are expected to return to Pune. Authorities have launched a DGCA investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, including any potential technical or operational factors.
The sudden and tragic loss of Ajit Pawar marks one of the most significant fatalities in contemporary Indian political history, leaving a deep impact on Maharashtra’s governance and political landscape.
