A tragic aviation accident claimed the life of one of Maharashtra's most prominent political figures this morning, January 28, 2026, when a private Learjet 45 aircraft crashed near Baramati Airport in Pune district. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, 66, was among the five people killed in the incident, which has sent shockwaves through India's political landscape.
The aircraft, registration VT-SSK and operated by private charter firm VSR Aviation, departed from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at approximately 8:10 a.m. local time. Pawar was en route to his stronghold of Baramati to campaign for upcoming local body elections, specifically addressing rallies for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls scheduled in early February. Flight tracking data indicates the plane was airborne for less than 40 minutes before the crash occurred around 8:45 a.m., during an attempted landing.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and eyewitness accounts, the Learjet attempted a second approach to Runway 11 at Baramati Airport. The aircraft reportedly lost control shortly before touchdown, plunging into an open field or mountainous area near the runway threshold, short of the paved surface. Upon impact, the plane erupted in flames, with multiple explosions reported as the wreckage caught fire intensely. Emergency responders, including local police, fire services, and medical teams, rushed to the site, but all five occupants were declared dead shortly after arrival. No survivors were found.
The victims included Ajit Pawar; his personal security officer (PSO); an attendant; and the two crew members—the pilot in command and the first officer. Initial identifications were aided by items such as Pawar's wristwatch, amid the charred wreckage. Videos and images from the scene depicted mangled debris scattered across the ground, thick smoke billowing upward, and ambulances ferrying remains to nearby hospitals.
Ajit Pawar, born July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara village, Ahmednagar district, was the nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He entered politics in the 1980s through the cooperative sector, building strong grassroots networks in western Maharashtra. Elected to the Lok Sabha from Baramati in 1991, he later vacated the seat for his uncle and transitioned to state politics, winning the Baramati Assembly seat multiple times since 1991 with decisive margins. Over his career, he served as Deputy Chief Minister under four different chief ministers: Prithviraj Chavan, Uddhav Thackeray, Eknath Shinde, and Devendra Fadnavis. Known for his administrative acumen, focus on irrigation projects, rural development, and empowerment of marginalized communities, Pawar earned a reputation as a hardworking, no-nonsense leader with deep local connect.
In a dramatic turn in 2023, Pawar orchestrated a major rebellion within the NCP, splitting the party and aligning his faction with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. The Election Commission recognized his group as the official NCP in February 2024, granting it the party name and symbol. He continued as Deputy Chief Minister in the current government led by Fadnavis, also holding key portfolios like finance and planning. Pawar is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, and sons Parth and Jay.
The crash has elicited widespread grief and tributes from across India's political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Pawar's death as "shocking and saddening," stating on social media: "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."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep personal distress, calling it a blow to the NDA family. "The news of the loss of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and our senior NDA colleague Ajit Pawar ji in a tragic accident has left my heart deeply distressed," Shah said. He highlighted Pawar's three-and-a-half decades of dedication to Maharashtra's welfare and noted their frequent discussions on public issues. "His passing is a personal loss... In this hour of grief, the entire NDA stands firmly with the bereaved Pawar family."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed it "deeply shocking and pained," praising Pawar's commitment to Maharashtra's development and compassion for the people. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called the tragedy "profoundly distressing" and an "untimely loss," acknowledging Pawar's sincere and astute service in various capacities. Other leaders, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who demanded a probe, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who recalled Pawar as an able administrator, joined in expressing sorrow.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reached Baramati to oversee arrangements. The state government declared a three-day mourning period and a public holiday on January 28. Pawar's last rites are scheduled for Thursday, January 29, at 11:00 a.m. at Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, with full state honors. Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah are expected to attend.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has dispatched a team from Delhi to probe the cause. Preliminary reports mention poor visibility at the airport, but no official determination has been made. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu assured a "transparent and accountable" investigation.
The incident has renewed scrutiny on private aviation safety in India, particularly for high-profile charter flights, and highlighted the risks faced by politicians in remote or weather-challenging regions. Pawar's death leaves a significant void in Maharashtra politics, where he was seen as a unifying figure in his faction and a key link in the Pawar family legacy. As tributes continue and investigations unfold, Maharashtra mourns the loss of a seasoned leader whose influence shaped the state's governance for decades.
