Maharashtra woke up to shocking news on January 28, 2026. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life in a plane crash near Baramati, his home turf in Pune district.
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| Ajit Pawar |
The accident claimed five lives in total and left the state in deep mourning.
What Happened in the Plane Crash
The chartered Learjet 45 took off from Mumbai early morning. Ajit Pawar was heading to Baramati to address public meetings ahead of upcoming Zilla Parishad elections. Around 8:45 AM, the plane tried to land at Baramati Airport but went off the runway. It burst into flames soon after.
All five people on board died. They included Ajit Pawar, his security officer Vidip Jadhav, an attendant, and the two pilots. Eyewitnesses described loud explosions and intense fire that made rescue very difficult. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has started a full investigation to find out the exact cause.
Tributes Pour In from Leaders Across India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the news "very shocking and saddening." He remembered Ajit Pawar as a leader with strong grassroots connect who worked hard for Maharashtra's people. Home Minister Amit Shah and other Union ministers also shared their grief.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced three days of state mourning. Flags will fly at half-mast, and today is a public holiday in the state. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said it was a tragic loss and praised the work they did together in the government.
Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi expressed heartbreak over the incident. Many called Ajit Pawar a dedicated leader who always focused on development.
Ajit Pawar's Long Journey in Politics
Born in 1959, Ajit Pawar came from a famous political family. He was the nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar. He started his career young and became a key figure in Maharashtra politics.
Ajit Pawar served as Deputy Chief Minister many times under different governments. He focused on irrigation, rural projects, and helping the common people. In recent years, he led a major split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and joined hands with the BJP-led alliance. This move changed the power balance in the state.
People often called him "Baramati ka raja" because of his strong hold in the area. He won hearts with his straightforward style and quick decisions.
What This Means for Maharashtra
The crash happened at a busy time with local elections coming up. Ajit Pawar's death leaves a big gap in the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The government now faces the challenge of moving forward without one of its strongest voices.
Supporters gathered outside hospitals and party offices in Baramati and other places. Many wept openly, showing how much he meant to them.
This sad event reminds everyone how sudden life can change, even for powerful leaders. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and the people of Maharashtra who lost a leader close to their hearts.
May he rest in peace.
