Maharashtra – The Ajit Pawar plane crash shocked Maharashtra and the nation after the deputy chief minister lost his life when a Learjet 45 crashed during a landing attempt near Baramati airport in Pune district. The accident occurred on Wednesday morning as Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to his hometown to address public meetings ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections. The Ajit Pawar plane crash resulted in the deaths of all five people on board, including pilots, security personnel, and cabin crew.
Initial information confirmed that the aircraft veered off the runway while attempting to land. The Ajit Pawar plane crash immediately prompted emergency responses from local authorities and aviation officials, while supporters gathered near the crash site and hospitals in Baramati.
Sharad Pawar Rejects Political Speculation
NCP founder and Pawar’s uncle, Sharad Pawar, addressed speculation surrounding the Ajit Pawar plane crash and firmly stated that there was no conspiracy involved. He urged political leaders and the public not to politicise the tragedy and described the incident as a tragic accident. Sharad Pawar’s remarks came amid demands from some political quarters seeking high-level probes into the Ajit Pawar plane crash.
His statement sought to calm the charged political atmosphere as grief gripped Baramati. Family members, including Sunetra Pawar and Supriya Sule, arrived in the town as preparations began for the last rites.
Government Response and Investigation
Following the Ajit Pawar plane crash, the Ministry of Civil Aviation initiated an investigation. Civil aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu held a meeting with senior officials, including the DGCA chief and the civil aviation secretary. An Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau team reached the crash site to begin a forensic probe into the Ajit Pawar plane crash.
According to preliminary assessments, poor visibility during landing may have contributed to the accident. The Indian Air Force temporarily took control of air traffic operations at Baramati airport to assist with technical coordination. Authorities assured that every aspect of the Ajit Pawar plane crash would be examined to determine the exact cause.
Leaders Pay Tributes and Announce Mourning
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum following the Ajit Pawar plane crash. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Pawar as a grassroots leader deeply connected to the people of Maharashtra. Union home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh, and several chief ministers expressed condolences.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a three-day state mourning period after the Ajit Pawar plane crash and declared a public holiday. He, along with deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, visited Baramati to console the family. The state assembly and Lok Sabha also paid obituary references to Pawar.
Details of the Aircraft and Those On Board
The aircraft involved in the Ajit Pawar plane crash was a Bombardier Learjet 45 with registration VT-SSK. It was chartered for Pawar’s travel and had been attempting multiple landing approaches before the crash. Aviation officials confirmed that the aircraft went off the runway during its final landing attempt.
Apart from Pawar, the aircraft carried two pilots, Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak, along with security personnel Vidhit Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali. The Ajit Pawar plane crash left no survivors, according to DGCA officials.
Public Grief and Funeral Arrangements
Supporters gathered in large numbers outside hospitals and Pawar’s residence following the Ajit Pawar plane crash. His mortal remains were brought to Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati, where people paid their final respects. The last rites will be held with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan ground.
Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah are expected to attend the funeral, underscoring the political significance of the loss caused by the Ajit Pawar plane crash. Security arrangements have been tightened in Baramati ahead of the ceremony.
Political Legacy and Impact
Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, holding the post six times across different governments. His death in the Ajit Pawar plane crash has created a leadership vacuum within the state’s coalition government and the Nationalist Congress Party.
Pawar had represented the Baramati Assembly constituency seven times and was regarded as a skilled administrator. As investigations continue into the Ajit Pawar plane crash, Maharashtra mourns the loss of a leader whose political journey shaped the state’s contemporary politics.
