Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a prominent NCP leader and nephew of Sharad Pawar, died in a devastating plane crash near Baramati airport on January 28, 2026. The chartered Learjet 45XR, flying from Mumbai for political rallies, lost control during final approach around 8:45 AM and crash-landed, bursting into flames.
Four others perished with him: two security personnel, an attendant, and the two crew members (pilot and co-pilot). Eyewitnesses described the jet plummeting 100 feet short of the runway before exploding in a massive fireball, with thick smoke rising from the wreckage in a Pune district field. Rescue teams rushed but were hindered by intense fire.
The DGCA is investigating technical failures as the cause. Ajit Pawar, 66, was key in Baramati’s politics and state governance. This loss shocks Maharashtra’s leadership amid ongoing political tensions. Political figures expressed grief; updates on black box analysis are awaited.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, “Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”
