In a shocking incident that has sent waves of grief across Maharashtra and the nation, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on January 28, 2026. The chartered Learjet 45 aircraft, carrying Ajit Pawar and four others (including staff and crew members), crashed near Baramati Airport in Pune district during an attempted landing. The crash occurred around 8:45 AM local time while the flight was en route from Mumbai to Baramati, reportedly for a public rally related to district council elections.
All five people on board perished in the accident, which eyewitnesses described as the plane exploding and catching fire upon impact. Initial reports suggest the aircraft attempted a second approach amid marginal visibility, and aviation experts have pointed to the possible absence of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) at the airport as a contributing factor. A specialized team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has reached the site to conduct a forensic probe, with officials questioning the operating company (VSR Ventures) as part of the inquiry.
Ajit Pawar, aged 66, was a towering figure in Maharashtra politics for over four decades. As nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, he built a strong base in the state’s sugar belt and cooperative sector. He represented Baramati in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly multiple times since 1991 and held key portfolios including finance and agriculture across various governments. Known for his grassroots connect, administrative acumen, and large-scale infrastructure pushes in areas like Pimpri-Chinchwad, he served as Deputy Chief Minister in the current Mahayuti government alliance.
Sharad Pawar, NCP (SP) chief and Ajit’s uncle, expressed profound grief, describing the loss as heartbreaking and ruling out any foul play or conspiracy. He urged against politicizing the tragedy. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis called it an unbelievable shock, declaring a state holiday on January 28 and three days of mourning. He referred to Ajit Pawar as a “strong and large-hearted friend” and a people’s leader deeply connected to the land.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences and are expected to attend the funeral.
- Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra termed the news deeply heartbreaking.
- West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee highlighted the tragedy, noting that even political leaders are not safe.
- Other figures like Eknath Shinde, Raj Thackeray, and Aaditya Thackeray paid respects to his straightforward leadership and contributions.
The last rites of Ajit Pawar are scheduled for January 29, 2026, at 11:00 AM with full state honours at Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati. Crowds have gathered in large numbers in Baramati to mourn, with his remains being moved amid emotional scenes.
This sudden demise marks the end of a dramatic chapter in Maharashtra’s politics—one filled with alliances, rebellions, family rifts, and significant influence. It leaves a major void in the NCP faction he led and the ruling Mahayuti coalition. Investigations into the crash continue, even as the state and nation grieve the loss of a prominent leader.
