Ajit Pawar Dies in Baramati Plane Crash: Shocking Details and Aftermath

Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash: Fire, smoke and debris - video shows aftermath of accident

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A Devastating Loss for Maharashtra

India is reeling from a massive political shock. On the morning of January 28, 2026, news broke that Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, had perished in a plane crash in his hometown of Baramati. The incident, which occurred around 8:45 AM, has sent the state and the nation into a state of profound grief and disbelief [[17]].

This is not just a news story; it’s the end of an era for Maharashtra politics. Ajit Pawar, a towering figure known for his financial acumen and complex political maneuvers, was a central pillar of the state’s governance. His sudden and tragic death leaves a significant void at the highest levels of power.

The Ajit Pawar Dies Tragedy Unfolds in Baramati

The Ajit Pawar dies tragedy took place as his private charter aircraft was attempting to land at the Baramati airstrip. According to multiple official sources, the plane crash-landed, breaking into pieces upon impact and immediately catching fire [[17]]. The scene was described as one of utter devastation, with thick smoke, scattered debris, and personal papers from the aircraft strewn across the area—a haunting image captured in videos that quickly circulated on social media [[1]].

Tragically, there were no survivors. Along with Ajit Pawar, five other individuals on board the flight also lost their lives in the accident [[23]]. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the severity of the crash left them with no option but to manage the recovery efforts.

Initial Confusion and Confirmation

In the immediate chaotic aftermath, there was a brief period of confusion regarding Pawar’s status, with some early reports suggesting he had been critically injured and rushed to a hospital [[9]]. However, these were swiftly corrected as authorities confirmed that the Deputy CM had succumbed to his injuries at the crash site itself [[17]].

Details of the Aircraft and the Crash

The aircraft involved in this catastrophic event was identified as a Bombardier Learjet 45XR, a popular business jet registered to VSR Ventures Private Limited, a major player in India’s non-scheduled aviation sector [[10]]. This specific model of aircraft has been in service for years, but like all complex machinery, is subject to rigorous safety protocols.

An investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). While the official report is pending, early speculation points towards potential factors such as adverse weather conditions or a technical malfunction during the critical landing phase [[10]]. The fact that the plane split into pieces suggests a high-impact collision, possibly after a failed landing attempt.

Who Was Ajit Pawar? A Political Giant

To understand the magnitude of this loss, one must appreciate who Ajit Pawar was. As the nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar, he carved out his own formidable legacy in Maharashtra. He was the state’s Finance Minister and its longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister, a role that earned him the moniker “forever Deputy CM” [[28]].

His political journey was marked by both loyalty and dramatic rebellion, most notably his 2019 move to form a government with the BJP, which temporarily split the NCP. He was a master strategist whose decisions often reshaped the state’s political landscape [[11]]. His death is not just a personal tragedy but a seismic event for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the entire coalition government in Maharashtra.

Immediate Aftermath and Political Fallout

The political ramifications of this crash are immense and immediate. With Ajit Pawar gone, the delicate balance of power within the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance is thrown into disarray. His faction of the NCP was a crucial partner, and his absence creates a leadership vacuum that will be fiercely contested [[14]].

Governor Ramesh Bais and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are now faced with the dual challenge of managing a state in mourning while ensuring political stability. Condolences have poured in from across the political spectrum, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to opposition leaders, all acknowledging his significant contribution to the state [[17]].

Conclusion: A State in Mourning

The news that Ajit Pawar dies in a plane crash is a stark reminder of life’s fragility, even for those at the pinnacle of power. Maharashtra has lost a shrewd administrator and a complex, influential politician. As the state grieves, the focus will now shift to the official investigation to determine the cause of the crash and to the uncertain future of its political leadership. For now, Baramati and the entire state stand united in sorrow.

Sources

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