Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash in Baramati
Chief Minister Ajit Pawar dies in a tragic plane crash during landing in Baramati, Maharashtra, with four others also killed, officials confirm.
Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash: Tragedy Strikes in Baramati on January 28, 2026
Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of Maharashtra tragically died on January 28, 2026, when the chartered aircraft carrying him crash-landed near Baramati Airport in Pune district. All on board, including four others, were killed in the incident, prompting shock and mourning across the state and the nation.
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What Happened
The Learjet 45 business jet, operated by VSR Aviation and registered VT-SSK, was flying from Mumbai to Baramati when it attempted an emergency landing at around 8:45 a.m. local time. According to officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft crash-landed and caught fire, killing all five passengers and crew on board.
Eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports indicate the jet struggled during its final approach before the crash. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but there were no survivors.
Who Was on Board
Alongside Ajit Pawar, those who lost their lives included members of his security detail, his personal assistant, and the aircraft’s two pilots. Local authorities confirmed that all individuals aboard the flight were killed in the crash.
Immediate Reaction and Mourning
The news of Ajit Pawar’s death sent immediate shockwaves throughout Maharashtra and beyond. Government leaders, political figures, and citizens expressed deep sorrow and condolences. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a period of state mourning, and senior national leaders conveyed their grief.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with leaders highlighting Ajit Pawar’s long career in public service and his contributions to the state.
Ajit Pawar’s Political Legacy
Ajit Pawar was a seasoned politician and a key figure in Maharashtra politics. He served as Deputy Chief Minister multiple times and was the head of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction allied with the ruling coalition. His leadership spanned decades, and he played a central role in shaping policy and governance in the state.
Known for his administrative skills and grassroots connections, Pawar had a strong support base in western Maharashtra, particularly in the Baramati region. His political influence extended across agriculture, rural development, and cooperative institutions in the state.
Circumstances and Investigation
The DGCA has launched a formal investigation into the crash to determine the exact cause. Early indications suggest the aircraft encountered difficulties while attempting a second landing at Baramati Airport. Investigators are reviewing flight data, weather conditions, and maintenance records to understand what triggered the accident.
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Baramati Airport operations were temporarily suspended following the crash as safety and emergency teams worked at the scene.
Public and Political Impact
The sudden loss of Ajit Pawar has left a significant void in Maharashtra’s political leadership. His death is being viewed as an irreparable loss by many colleagues and constituents. Leaders have emphasized the need for unity and stability in the wake of the tragedy.
State and national politicians alike acknowledged Pawar’s contributions to public service, with many highlighting his role in advancing development initiatives and strengthening governance frameworks.
Remembering Ajit Pawar
Ajit Pawar’s career was marked by decades of engagement in governance and political strategy. From local cooperative sectors to state leadership, his presence in Maharashtra’s political landscape was significant. His sudden death in a plane crash near Baramati has drawn a strong response of grief and reflection from citizens and leaders alike.
As investigations continue and tributes unfold, Maharashtra enters a period of remembrance for a leader whose life ended abruptly in an aviation tragedy. The full impact of this event on the state’s politics and governance will unfold in the coming days.
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