Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Killed in Plane Crash Near Baramati

Deputy Chief Minister and four others die after Learjet crash; Maharashtra declares three days of state mourning

Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, one of the state’s most influential political leaders, died on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in a plane crash near Baramati in Pune district, aviation officials and government sources confirmed.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that a Learjet 45 aircraft (registration VT-SSK) operated by Delhi-based charter company VSR crash-landed at Baramati Airport while attempting to land. All five people on board — including Ajit Pawar, two of his personnel and two crew members — were killed in the accident.

The Civil Aviation Ministry said preliminary information indicates that visibility was poor at the time of the landing attempt around 8:45 am local time, triggering the crash. An official probe has been ordered to determine the exact cause.

Details of the Crash and Those on Board

The aircraft took off from Mumbai at approximately 8:10 am en route to Baramati, where Mr. Pawar was scheduled to attend an election rally for the upcoming Zila Parishad polls.

According to Flightradar24 flight tracking data, the aircraft disappeared from radar around 8:45 am, shortly before it was due to land at Baramati.

On board were:

• Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra

• Vidip Jadhav, close aide

• Pinky Mali, Personal Security Officer

• Capt. Sumit Kapur, pilot in command

• Shambhavi Pathak, co-pilot

Officials confirmed that no one survived the crash.

Reactions from Government and Leaders

The news of Mr. Pawar’s death sent shockwaves across India’s political landscape.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief on X, saying he was “saddened” by the crash and offering condolences to the bereaved families.“My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief,” he wrote.

State leaders, including Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, described the loss as shocking and personal. Fadnavis wrote on social media that he had “no words to express my emotions” and mourned the death of a “strong and generous friend.”

Other political figures, including the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal, and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, also expressed deep shock and sadness.

Maharashtra Declares State Mourning

In honour of Mr. Pawar’s service, the Government of Maharashtra declared a three-day state mourning period. During this time:

• Government offices and schools will remain closed

• Flags will be flown at half-mast

• Public events will be cancelled

Officials said the move reflects the state’s recognition of Mr. Pawar’s long and influential political career.

Ajit Pawar: A Titan of Maharashtra Politics

Ajit Pawar, 66, was a towering figure in Maharashtra politics with a career spanning over three decades.

Early Life and Political Rise

• He began his political journey in 1982, winning a seat on the board of a cooperative sugar factory.

• He became chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank, strengthening his base in the state’s sugar belt.

Electoral Success

• Pawar was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1991 from Baramati but later vacated the seat for his uncle, veteran politician Sharad Pawar.

• He was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly seven times (1991, 1995, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019) from Baramati, often winning by massive margins.

Deputy Chief Minister and Party Leadership

• He served as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister six times under different governments, including those of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde.

• In November 2019, Ajit Pawar rebelled against his uncle Sharad Pawar by joining the BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis government in an early-morning ceremony, a move that triggered a brief political crisis.

• In February 2024, the Election Commission of India recognised his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) after a major split, solidifying his standing as a senior leader in the ruling coalition in Maharashtra.

Mr. Pawar was widely respected for his grassroots connect and organisational strength, particularly across rural and cooperative sectors.

Personal Life and Survivors

Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Member of the Rajya Sabha, and their two sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar.

Investigation and Aviation Response

The DGCA has launched an investigation into the crash, with officials saying that preliminary data indicate poor visibility at the time of landing.Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu stated:

“We will conduct an investigation in a transparent and accountable manner.”

Authorities have not yet confirmed the definitive cause of the accident.

What Happened During the Crash

Witnesses at the scene described the aftermath as chaotic and devastating. According to reports:

• The aircraft exploded upon impact

• Smoke and flames engulfed the wreckage

• Multiple explosions were heard after the crash

• Emergency responders arrived quickly but were unable to reach the victims due to the intense fire

The crash site was reportedly near Baramati Airport in Pune district.

Legacy and Impact

Ajit Pawar’s death marks a profound moment in Maharashtra and Indian politics. As a leading figure in one of India’s most populous and politically pivotal states, his absence will be felt across political, developmental and grassroots circles.

His career was defined by:

• Strategic influence in coalition politics

• Leadership roles across administrations

• Strong organisational base in the cooperative sector

• Advocacy for rural development and infrastructure growth

The state’s three-day mourning is a testament to his stature and contributions to public life.