Digital New Guru National Desk:
In a devastating incident that has shook political and public life across Maharashtra and India, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died on January 28, 2026 when the chartered aircraft he was travelling in crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport in Pune district. All five people on board — including Pawar, two crew members and two staff — lost their lives in what officials have described as a fatal landing accident.
The Incident: What Happened
The ill-fated flight was a Learjet 45XR (registration VT-SSK), operated by VSR Aviation, flying from Mumbai to Baramati. The flight departed Mumbai early in the morning for a routine charter journey, with Pawar on board to attend — and campaign for — local Zilla Parishad elections scheduled in the region.
As the aircraft made its approach to Runway 11 at Baramati Airport around 8:45 AM IST, it veered off the runway threshold and crash-landed violently, bursting into flames on impact. Video footage and eyewitness accounts from the scene reported intense fire and multiple explosions that made any rescue efforts extremely difficult.
Emergency services reached the scene within minutes, but none of the occupants survived. The Maharashtra government later announced that all five aboard — Pawar, his personal security officer (PSO), an attendant, and two pilots — were confirmed dead.
Immediate Aftermath and Identification
The scene of the crash was described as chaotic and somber. Forensic teams worked alongside local police at the blaze-scarred site. In many cases, identification of the bodies was challenging due to the intensity of the fire. Pawar’s identity was eventually confirmed through personal belongings — notably, his wristwatch — according to officials involved in recovery efforts.
The crash has prompted both state and central authorities to initiate a formal investigation, including inquiries by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), to determine the technical and environmental factors that may have led to the accident.
Who Was Ajit Pawar?
Ajit Anantrao Pawar was one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures, serving multiple terms as Deputy Chief Minister and holding key portfolios including finance. Born into the powerful Pawar political family, he was a prominent leader in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and later a key ally of the ruling coalition at the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Known for his administrative acumen and deep connections in Western Maharashtra, especially in rural and cooperative sectors, Pawar was a political heavyweight whose decisions often shaped governance in the state. His sudden and tragic death leaves a significant leadership gap not only within his party faction but also in the broader political landscape of Maharashtra.
Political and Public Reaction
News of Pawar’s death sent ripples through the nation’s political corridors. Leaders across party lines expressed shock and grief. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as deeply saddening and extended condolences to Pawar’s family and supporters, praising his contributions to public life.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who worked closely with Pawar in the state government, also mourned the loss. Shinde called the accident “sad and unfortunate” and confirmed that an extensive probe into the circumstances of the crash would be conducted. He further described Pawar’s death as a loss not just for the Pawar family, but for the entire state.
Leaders from other major parties, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, also expressed their shock and condolences, highlighting Pawar’s long years of public service and governance.
State Mourning and Public Response
In response to the tragedy, the Maharashtra government declared a three-day state mourning period, during which schools and many public institutions across the state were closed as a mark of respect. Thousands of citizens gathered spontaneously at political and public spaces in Pune, Baramati and other cities to pay tribute to Pawar’s life and legacy.
The mood across the state was one of deep sorrow, with many expressing shock at how a leader with decades of experience and an almost routine journey could end so abruptly. Social media platforms were soon flooded with condolences, tributes, and remembrances from citizens and public figures alike.
Looking Ahead: Investigation and Impact
While authorities carefully examine flight data, weather conditions, and aircraft maintenance logs to piece together the cause of the crash, early assessments from some regional reports suggested poor visibility due to dense fog around the time of landing, and inadequate landing infrastructure at the Baramati airfield may have contributed to the tragedy. However, officials have cautioned that these are preliminary observations, pending the official probe’s complete findings.
The political implications of Pawar’s death are expected to be far-reaching. As a six-term Deputy Chief Minister and a dominant figure in Maharashtra politics, his absence will test the strength and unity of his party faction and could influence alliances and electoral strategies within the state’s complex political environment. Analysts have already started debating how his passing might reshape power dynamics, both within the NCP and in the broader coalition politics of Maharashtra.
Conclusion
The sudden demise of Ajit Pawar in a tragic aviation accident is a moment of profound loss for Maharashtra and Indian politics. A seasoned leader with a long record of governance and public engagement, Pawar’s death underscores the unpredictability of life and leaves behind an enduring legacy marked by controversy, achievement, and deep public connection. As investigations continue and the state mourns, the focus now shifts to honoring his contributions and understanding the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking accident.
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