Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others died in a tragic accident on Wednesday morning.
Ajit Pawar plane crash occurred when a chartered Learjet 45 from Mumbai attempted to land at Baramati airport. The incident killed the deputy chief minister, two staff members and two crew members. Authorities confirmed no survivors. The crash happened around 10:00 AM IST.
The Ajit Pawar plane crash sends shockwaves through Indian politics. As a key figure in Maharashtra’s ruling alliance, his death disrupts the state’s governance. Maharashtra holds significant influence in South Asia’s economic and political landscape. This event could alter alliances ahead of upcoming elections.
Details of Baramati Plane Crash
The aircraft departed from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It was en route to Baramati, Ajit Pawar’s constituency in Pune district. Eyewitnesses reported the plane struggling during landing. It skidded off the runway and burst into flames.
One eyewitness stated: “We rushed to help, but the fire was too big.” Rescue teams arrived within minutes. They extinguished the fire, but all on board had perished.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a statement confirming the crash. “No person on board has survived,” the DGCA noted. The jet operator claimed the aircraft was 100% safe before takeoff. Initial inspections found no mechanical issues, but a full probe is underway.
Ajit Pawar Death Confirmed by Officials
Ajit Pawar death was verified by multiple sources. Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X: “Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”
Modi also expressed thoughts for the bereaved families. The Maharashtra government declared a day of mourning. Flags flew at half-mast across state buildings.
The Baramati plane crash site showed wreckage scattered over 200 metres. Visuals depicted smoke and flames engulfing the remains. Police cordoned off the area. Forensic teams collected evidence.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Plane Crash Investigation
Investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) arrived at the scene. They will examine black box data. Weather conditions were clear, ruling out fog as a factor.
The Maharashtra deputy CM plane crash involves a Learjet 45, a twin-engine business jet. It can carry up to 9 passengers. This model has a strong safety record, but past incidents involved landing errors.
Local authorities reported no ground casualties. The airport, a small facility in Baramati, handles private flights. Operations halted for the day.
Background
Ajit Pawar, 66, served as Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister multiple times. He began his career in the 1980s. Nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar, he rose through the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
In 2023, Ajit Pawar split from his uncle’s faction. He formed his own NCP group. The Election Commission recognised his party as the official NCP. He allied with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena in the Mahayuti coalition.
Ajit Pawar held portfolios like finance and irrigation. He focused on rural development in Maharashtra. Baramati, his stronghold, benefited from infrastructure projects. His leadership shaped water policies in the drought-prone region.
The Ajit Pawar plane crash highlights risks in political travel. Many leaders use chartered flights for quick constituency visits. This incident recalls similar accidents in India. In 2021, Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat died in a helicopter crash.
Politically, Ajit Pawar death leaves a vacuum in the NCP. His faction controlled 41 MLAs in the 288-seat assembly. The coalition government must now reorganise. Sharad Pawar’s rival faction may gain ground.
In South Asia, Maharashtra’s stability affects trade and investment. The state borders Gujarat and contributes 15% to India’s GDP. Political shifts could influence relations with neighbouring countries like Pakistan on economic fronts.
What’s Next
The DGCA and AAIB will release a preliminary report within 30 days. A full investigation may take 6 months. The government plans to review safety protocols for VIP flights.
Elections in Maharashtra are due in 2029. The Ajit Pawar plane crash could trigger by-elections in Baramati. Party leaders will select a successor. Family members, including his son Parth Pawar, may step up.
Condolences poured in from across India. President Droupadi Murmu issued a statement. Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi expressed sorrow.
The Maharashtra deputy CM plane crash underscores aviation safety needs. Experts call for stricter maintenance checks. The incident may prompt policy changes.
In conclusion, the Ajit Pawar plane crash marks a tragic loss for Maharashtra. Investigations continue to determine the exact cause.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 28th, 2026
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