Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Baramati Plane Crash
- MGMMTeam
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
On the morning of January 28, 2026, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a senior political leader, died in a catastrophic plane crash near Baramati Airport in Pune district. The private aircraft, a Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR Aviation, was approaching the runway when it crash-landed and burst into flames. All five people on board — including Pawar, his security personnel, and two pilots — were killed on impact.
The flight had departed from Mumbai early in the morning with Pawar on board to attend public meetings in his hometown of Baramati ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections. Witnesses described seeing the jet descend before it veered off the runway threshold, exploded into fireballs and triggered multiple blasts, making rescue efforts extremely difficult.
What Happened During the Crash
According to official reports, the aircraft was attempting to land around 8:48 AM IST when the accident occurred. Eyewitnesses said the plane appeared unstable during its final descent and crashed near the threshold of runway 11 at Baramati Airport. The Learjet immediately erupted into flames, and debris was scattered across the runway area.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that none of the passengers survived, and the wreckage was severely damaged. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the intensity of the blaze prevented any effective rescue or recovery at the site.
Those on Board
Ajit Pawar was accompanied by his personal security officer, an attendant, and two pilots. All occupants aboard the flight were confirmed dead. Forensic teams were later involved in the identification of Pawar’s remains, underlining the devastating impact of the crash.
Political Leader and Public Life
Ajit Pawar, aged 66, was one of the most prominent figures in Maharashtra politics, serving as Deputy Chief Minister across several administrations. His career spanned decades, rooted in local politics and the cooperative movement before rising to state leadership. He was a multiple-term MLA from Baramati and had held influential posts under successive governments led by different chief ministers.
Pawar’s political journey was marked by strategic realignments, including his 2023 split from the mainstream Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and leadership of a breakaway faction allied with the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). His organizational reach and grassroots support made him a central figure in western Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Reactions Across the Country
News of Pawar’s sudden death sparked widespread mourning throughout India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a heartfelt condolence message, calling Pawar “a leader of the people” with strong grassroots connections and a dedicated public service record. Modiji’s message highlighted Pawar’s administrative experience and his efforts to uplift marginalized communities, while expressing deep sorrow for the loss.
Political leaders across party lines also expressed grief over the tragedy. Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde described the incident as deeply painful, likening the loss to that of a family member and assuring that a thorough probe would be conducted. Leaders from several states called Pawar’s death a “profound loss” to Indian politics and extended condolences to his family and supporters.
Investigation and Next Steps
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and DGCA have initiated a formal investigation into the cause of the crash. Early focus areas include weather conditions, visibility during landing, runway facilities at the smaller Baramati airfield, and technical performance of the 16-year-old Learjet 45 aircraft. Officials emphasize the need for a transparent and thorough inquiry to understand the chain of events leading to this tragedy.
The MGMM Outlook
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed in a devastating plane crash near Baramati Airport on the morning of January 28, 2026, when the private Learjet 45 he was traveling in crash-landed and burst into flames during its landing approach. The accident, which occurred around 8:48 AM IST, left all five people on board — including Pawar, his security personnel, and two pilots — dead, as intense explosions and fire made any rescue effort impossible. Pawar had departed from Mumbai to attend election meetings in his home region, and eyewitnesses described the aircraft as unstable before it veered off the runway and exploded. Investigations by the DGCA and AAIB are underway to determine the exact causes, focusing on weather, runway conditions, and the aircraft’s technical state.
Ajit Pawar was a veteran politician with decades of experience in Maharashtra’s governance, having served multiple terms as an MLA from Baramati and held the Deputy Chief Minister post across various administrations, including after his 2023 split from the mainstream NCP to lead a faction allied with the NDA. His sudden death triggered nationwide reactions, with leaders across party lines expressing sorrow and highlighting his contributions to public service and state administration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the loss, acknowledging Pawar’s connection with grassroots communities and administrative expertise, while assurances were made that a thorough inquiry into the tragic incident would be conducted.
(Sources: NDTV, OpIndia, Times of India)
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