On January 28, 2026, Maharashtra was plunged into deep mourning following the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar in a horrific aircraft crash. The incident occurred at approximately 8:45 AM at the Baramati Airport in Pune district, which serves as the political heartland of the Pawar family. According to official reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the local administration, the chartered Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK), operated by VSR, was attempting to land when it reportedly lost control, overshot the runway, and exploded upon impact. The aircraft, which had departed from Mumbai earlier that morning, was engulfed in flames within seconds, leaving no chance for rescue operations.
There were five people on board the ill-fated flight, including Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, a personal attendant, and two crew members—the pilot-in-command and the first officer. Initial reports from the crash site and a formal statement from the DGCA confirmed that there were no survivors. Visuals from the scene showed a catastrophic wreckage site with thick black smoke billowing into the sky as local villagers and emergency responders rushed to the spot. The 66-year-old leader was traveling to Baramati to address a series of four crucial public rallies ahead of the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections, a testament to his lifelong commitment to grassroots politics and the development of his home constituency.
The news of his untimely demise sent shockwaves across India’s political landscape. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound grief, describing Pawar as a “hardworking personality” and a “leader of the people” who possessed a deep understanding of administrative matters. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also shared their condolences, highlighting his dedication to the prosperity of Maharashtra. Within the state, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis—who had just attended a cabinet meeting with Pawar the previous day—was visibly shaken, coordinating with the Prime Minister’s Office for updates. Leaders from across the political spectrum, including Supriya Sule, Priyanka Chaturvedi, and Sharad Pawar, expressed their shock at the “irreparable loss” to the state.
Ajit Pawar’s political legacy is unparalleled in Maharashtra’s history; he served as the longest-tenured Deputy Chief Minister, holding the position for a record six non-consecutive terms under various administrations. Known for his “no-nonsense” administrative style and his ability to push major infrastructure projects to completion, “Ajit Dada,” as he was affectionately known, was a titan of Maharashtra politics. His death marks the end of an era for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and leaves a massive vacuum in the state’s leadership. As the government declares a period of state mourning, the investigation into the technical failure or circumstances that led to the emergency landing attempt is currently underway by the AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
About the Author
