Tragedy at Baramati: The Plane Crash That Killed Ajit Pawar
On the morning of January 28, 2026, India’s political landscape was shaken by devastating news: Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a major figure in the state’s politics, was killed in a plane crash near Baramati Airport in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. The accident claimed the lives of all five people on board, ending abruptly the life of one of the state’s most influential leaders and leaving the nation in mourning.
The Flight and the Fatal Crash
Ajit Pawar was travelling from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to his hometown Baramati, where he was scheduled to attend a series of public meetings related to the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections. The aircraft was a Learjet 45XR (registration VT-SSK), operated by the charter company VSR Aviation.
Around 8:40–8:45 a.m. local time, as the plane attempted to land on Runway 11 at Baramati Airport, it crash-landed near the runway threshold, veered off the surface, and burst into flames upon impact. Emergency responders and witnesses at the scene reported intense fire and smoke, and no one survived the crash.
According to reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft and its occupants were completely lost in the crash. Alongside Ajit Pawar, the fatalities included his personal security officer, an aide, and two crew members — the pilot and co-pilot.
Who Was Ajit Pawar?
Ajit Anantrao Pawar was one of Maharashtra’s longest-serving and most recognised political leaders. Born into a politically active family, he rose through local politics to become a six-term Deputy Chief Minister, serving under multiple administrations. He had been a dominant figure in Maharashtra’s political sphere for decades and helmed the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction that became part of the state’s ruling alliance.
Known for his organisational skills and strong grassroots connections, Pawar was considered a cornerstone of governance in Maharashtra, especially in rural and cooperative sectors. His strategic influence was evident in both administrative reforms and election campaigns across the state.
Immediate Aftermath and National Reaction
News of the crash spread rapidly across India, prompting an immediate outpouring of grief and shock from political leaders and citizens alike. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over Pawar’s untimely demise, describing him as a “leader of the people” with a strong connection to grassroots communities. He highlighted Pawar’s dedication to serving the underprivileged and his administrative capabilities.
State leaders from across the political spectrum also offered condolences. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, called the crash a tragic event and conveyed his grief to Pawar’s family and supporters. A three-day state mourning period was declared in Maharashtra, with flags flown at half-mast and official programmes postponed in respect of Pawar’s memory.
The Investigation and Causes
In the hours following the accident, the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) initiated a thorough investigation into the crash. Initial official statements noted that poor visibility near the runway and a challenging landing approach might have been contributing factors, although no final determination has yet been made.
The tragic loss has spurred discussions across aviation and safety communities, with experts calling for detailed analysis of Baramati Airport’s approach protocols, runway conditions, and emergency response systems. Authorities have pledged a transparent and comprehensive probe to understand every element of this fatal incident.
Remembering the Victims
Beyond the political repercussions, the crash was a human tragedy with five lives lost in an instant. Ajit Pawar’s death was widely reported and confirmed by multiple authoritative sources, leaving little doubt that the news is true and backed by official statements from regulatory and government authorities.
The pilot in command, Sumit Kapoor, and co-pilot Sambhavi Pathak had decades of cumulative flying experience, enhancing the shock around the crash’s circumstances. Pawar’s security aide and other staff members were also part of the flight, all of whom lost their lives alongside the veteran politician.
Political Impact and Legacy
Ajit Pawar’s passing has created an immediate vacuum in Maharashtra’s political arena. As a seasoned leader with decades of service, his absence will likely influence the upcoming election campaigns and internal dynamics within the NCP and coalition partners. Political commentators have suggested that Pawar’s death could lead to strategic realignments and discussions on leadership succession within his party faction. (Political analysis is ongoing — view public discussion threads for emerging perspectives).
Pawar’s legacy will be remembered in terms of his extensive contributions to development projects, governance reforms, and the mentorship of younger leaders in Maharashtra political circles. His career was marked not only by high office but by the respect he commanded across diverse political groups and voter communities.
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A Nation Mourns
The plane crash that claimed Ajit Pawar’s life is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of fate. Leaders, citizens, and families across India have expressed their condolences, and tributes continue to pour in from inside Maharashtra and beyond.
As investigators work to piece together the final report, the state of Maharashtra — and indeed the nation — pauses in reflection and tribute to a leader whose journey ended far too soon
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What happened to Ajit Pawar?
Ajit Pawar was involved in a tragic plane crash near Baramati Airport in Maharashtra while travelling for a political engagement. The incident resulted in the loss of all lives on board the aircraft.
Q2. When did the Ajit Pawar plane crash occur?
The plane crash occurred on January 28, 2026, during an attempted landing at Baramati Airport in Pune district.
Q3. Was Ajit Pawar travelling alone?
No. Ajit Pawar was travelling with his security personnel and the aircraft crew. All passengers on board lost their lives in the accident.
Q4. What type of aircraft was involved in the crash?
The aircraft was a chartered Learjet 45, commonly used for VIP and business travel within India.
Q5. What was Ajit Pawar’s role in Maharashtra politics?
Ajit Pawar served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and was one of the most influential political leaders in the state with decades of administrative and political experience.
Q6. What is the cause of the plane crash?
Authorities have launched an official investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that visibility issues and landing complications may have played a role, but the final cause is yet to be confirmed.
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