Today, the political environment in Maharashtra has changed forever. On January 28, 2026, Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar tragically died in an aircraft crash in his hometown of Baramati.
Since “Dada,” as he was popularly called, was not only a political heavyweight but also a pillar of the state’s administrative apparatus for decades, the news has shocked India.
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The Event: What We Currently Know
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and local authorities, the accident occurred on Wednesday morning.
- The Flight: Ajit Pawar had departed from Mumbai at approximately 8:10 AM aboard a chartered Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK), operated by VSR Ventures.
- The Destination: He was traveling to Baramati to address a series of campaign rallies for the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections.
- The Crash: At roughly 8:45 AM, while attempting to land at Baramati Airport, the aircraft reportedly became unstable. Eyewitnesses described the plane hitting the ground hard before bursting into flames.
- Casualties: Tragically, there were no survivors. Along with Mr. Pawar, four others lost their lives, including his Personal Security Officer (PSO), a personal attendant, and the two pilots.
A Brief Look at Political Legacy
Ajit Pawar’s career was defined by his “man of action” persona. Known for his legendary punctuality and firm grip on the state’s finances, he served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a record six terms.
Whether it was his deep-rooted connection to the cooperative sector or his bold decision-making during the political upheavals of 2019 and 2023, he remained a central figure who could never be ignored. At 66, his death leaves a massive vacuum in the Mahayuti government and creates an uncertain future for the NCP faction he led.
Tributes and State Mourning
In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep personal grief, describing Ajit Pawar as a “good friend” and an “unparalleled leader.” The Maharashtra government has officially declared:
- Three days of state mourning.
- A public holiday today (January 28) across the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders across the political spectrum have also extended their condolences, hailing him as a grassroots leader who remained dedicated to the people of Maharashtra until his final moments.
“His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers.” – Prime Minister Narendra Modi
What Comes Next?
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been tasked with a thorough probe to determine the exact cause of the crash, focusing on potential technical failures or weather conditions during the landing approach.
As the state prepares for his final rites in Baramati, the focus remains on supporting his family his wife, Sunetra Pawar, and their sons, Parth and Jay.
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