Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar met a tragic end in a plane crash near Baramati airport on January 28, 2026. The incident has left the nation in shock, sparking grief and urgent questions about political stability in the state.
What Happened in the Ajit Pawar Plane Crash
The Learjet 45XR was flying Pawar from Mumbai to Baramati. Around 8:45 AM during final approach, the aircraft descended sharply and crash-landed, erupting into a massive fireball. CCTV footage captured the horrifying moment, showing the plane’s sudden loss of control.
All five people on board perished instantly. They included Pawar, two staff members—Vidip Jadhav and Pinki Mali—and two pilots. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed no survivors. Early reports point to possible landing gear failure, echoing prior US warnings about Learjet models.
Swift Emergency Response
The Indian Air Force (IAF) acted fast, deploying Air Warriors to Baramati airport. They set up emergency air traffic control (ATC) and weather monitoring systems to aid rescue efforts. Maharashtra government declared a day of state mourning, though banks stayed open on January 29.
Political Ripples After Ajit Pawar Plane Crash
Pawar, a towering figure in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), effectively controlled the party despite his uncle Sharad Pawar’s presence. His death at age 66 creates a leadership vacuum. Speculation grows over NCP factions merging, Supriya Sule’s potential rise, and roles for family members like Sunetra and Parth Pawar.
Rival parties clashed too. BJP leaders slammed West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for “petty politics” amid the tragedy, calling her response heartless.
Ajit Pawar’s legacy as a key Maharashtra administrator endures, but this plane crash reshapes state politics overnight. Investigations continue as tributes pour in from across India.
