Senior Leader Ajit Pawar Killed in Plane Crash in Maharashtra
Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a key political figure in the state, died in a tragic plane crash near Baramati in Pune district on January 28, 2026. The aircraft, a chartered Learjet 45XR (registration VT-SSK), was on a flight from Mumbai to Baramati when it crashed while attempting an emergency landing at the Baramati airport, killing all five people on board, including Pawar and four others.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the plane veered off the runway during its second approach to runway 11 and burst into flames on impact. Emergency responders and local authorities rushed to the site, but were unable to rescue anyone as the aircraft was destroyed on impact. Pawar’s body was later identified through distinctive personal effects, given the extent of the crash.
Government Declares State Mourning and Public Holiday
In response to the sudden and shocking death, the Maharashtra government declared a public holiday and three days of state mourning from January 28 to January 30, 2026, as a mark of respect for Pawar’s life and service to the state. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings across Maharashtra, and no official entertainment programmes will be held.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the incident as “a completely irreparable loss for the whole state of Maharashtra” and announced that decisions regarding Pawar’s last rites would be taken after consulting his family. Schools across the state were ordered to remain closed on the day of the announcement.
The Maharashtra General Administration Department (Protocol) confirmed that Pawar’s last rites will be conducted with full state honours. His mortal remains were kept at the Vidya Pratishthan ground for the public to pay their respects before the funeral, which was scheduled to be held at 11 am local time.
Details of the Crash and Those Who Perished
The aircraft involved was a mid-size business jet operated by VSR Aviation, carrying Pawar to Baramati for local election campaigning ahead of the Zilla Parishad polls. Alongside Pawar, the other four victims included his personal security officer (PSO), an attendant, and two pilots — Captain Sumit Kapur and First Officer Sambhavi Pathak. The DGCA has initiated an inquiry into the exact cause of the accident, with early attention on weather conditions, visibility and technical factors during the landing attempt.
Visuals from the crash site showed scattered debris and a massive blaze following the impact, prompting investigators to secure the area for detailed examination. Recovery teams are working to piece together flight data and coordinate with aviation authorities to determine whether procedural or environmental issues played a role in the tragedy.
Political Career and Legacy of Ajit Pawar
Ajit Anantrao Pawar was a towering figure in Maharashtra politics with a career spanning decades. He served as Deputy Chief Minister six times under various state governments, making him one of the longest-serving holders of the post. Pawar’s political journey began in grassroots politics and he rose through the ranks of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a party founded by his uncle, veteran leader Sharad Pawar.
In 2023, he led a significant political realignment by forming his own faction of the NCP and aligning with the National Democratic Alliance. This strategic move reshaped the political landscape of Maharashtra, contributing to his faction’s success in state-level elections and affirming his influence within the ruling coalition.
Known for his administrative acumen and deep understanding of governance, Pawar was widely respected across party lines for his work in rural development, agriculture, and cooperative sectors. His sudden death has left a major void in the state’s political leadership and triggered widespread grief among supporters, colleagues and civic groups.
Reactions From Leaders and Public Figures
Political leaders from across India expressed shock and sorrow at Pawar’s untimely death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the news was “utterly heartbreaking” and lauded Pawar as a leader who contributed deeply to Maharashtra’s development, particularly in the cooperative movement and public service. President Droupadi Murmu also paid tribute to Pawar’s legacy, calling his demise an “irreplaceable loss” for the nation.
Sharad Pawar, his uncle and senior NCP leader, urged the public not to politicise the tragedy and reiterated that the crash was a tragic accident, not an event to be exploited for political gains. “Not all things are in our hands,” he remarked, underscoring the need for unity in grief and respect for the departed leader.
In Vidarbha and across Maharashtra, leaders from different political parties set aside differences to mourn the loss, highlighting Pawar’s contributions that transcended partisan boundaries. Many acknowledged his ability to build personal connections and his role in developing key regions, particularly Baramati, which held deep personal significance for him.
Public Mourning and Funeral Ceremonies
Thousands of supporters gathered in Baramati to pay their final respects to Pawar, whose funeral took place at the Vidya Pratishthan ground with full state honours. Religious rites were carried out by his family members, with his sons Jay and Parth participating in the ceremonial proceedings, while his wife, Rajya Sabha member Sunetra Pawar, and extended family members mourned the profound loss.
The funeral drew a considerable public turnout, reflecting Pawar’s impact on the communities he served. Flags flew at half-mast at government buildings throughout Maharashtra during the three-day mourning period, symbolising collective grief and reverence for a leader whose influence spanned decades.
Impact on Maharashtra’s Political Landscape
Pawar’s death comes at a critical juncture in Maharashtra’s political calendar, with local and state elections approaching and governance dynamics already undergoing shifts. His absence creates an immediate leadership gap within his faction of the NCP and within the state cabinet, prompting discussions about succession and future political alignments.
Political analysts observe that Pawar’s organisational skills, deep cultural connections with rural constituents, and strategic influence within the ruling coalition will be difficult to replace. The tragedy also injects an element of uncertainty into ongoing political negotiations and electoral strategies, as parties recalibrate their approaches in the wake of the loss of a key political architect.
Aviation Safety and Ongoing Investigations
The DGCA and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have mobilised teams to investigate the crash, focusing on flight data recordings, weather conditions at the time of landing, and the status of aircraft maintenance records. Early speculation suggests challenging visibility and complex landing conditions at the Baramati airport could have contributed to the accident, though official findings are pending deeper technical analysis.
Officials have emphasised the importance of a thorough probe, with aviation authorities vowing to review all aspects of the flight and ground operations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The investigation is expected to include interviews with air traffic controllers, examination of airport lighting and instrumentation, and assessment of operator compliance with safety norms.
End of a Political Era and Statewide Grief
The sudden plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has sent shockwaves across the state and the nation, prompting official mourning, heartfelt tributes, and widespread reflection on his contributions to public life. As the state honours his legacy and grapples with the implications of his death, Pawar’s decades-long service in public office and his role in shaping Maharashtra’s political narrative will be remembered as part of an influential chapter in the state’s modern history.
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