Baramati/Mumbai : Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar has died in a plane crash near Baramati airport, officials and aviation authorities confirmed, sparking shock and grief across the state and national political circles.
The aircraft crashed on Wednesday morning during a landing attempt, and all five people on board — including Pawar — were killed instantly, according to preliminary reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and media sources.
Crash Details: What Happened
The private charter aircraft, identified as a Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK), was flying from Mumbai to Baramati — about 250 km away — where Pawar was scheduled to attend campaign events tied to the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections.
The aircraft reportedly lost control while landing around 8:45 a.m. and crashed near the runway, bursting into flames on impact. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but no survivors were found.
Visuals and videos circulating online show smoke and debris scattered near the crash site, raising serious concerns about aviation safety.
Those on Board
According to aviation officials, the plane was carrying:
Ajit Pawar — Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra
Two crew members (pilot and co-pilot)
Two staff members (including security and attendant)
DGCA has confirmed that none of the passengers survived the crash.
Investigation Underway
The DGCA has immediately launched a formal investigation into the cause of the accident, examining:
Black box data and flight recorder information
Weather and runway conditions
Possible technical faults in the aircraft
Officials said it is too early to pinpoint a definitive cause, and further analysis is expected over the next several days.
Political Impact and Reactions
The news of Ajit Pawar’s death has sent shockwaves through Indian politics. Leaders from across the spectrum have expressed deep sorrow:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly spoke with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following the tragedy.
Senior political figures have described the crash as “deeply shocking” and “a great loss to Maharashtra.”
As a veteran politician and one of Maharashtra’s most influential leaders, Pawar’s sudden demise has triggered an outpouring of grief among party workers and citizens.
Legacy of Ajit Pawar
Ajit Pawar, 66, had served multiple terms as Deputy Chief Minister and held key portfolios including finance, planning, and rural development. He was widely regarded as a strategic leader in state politics and a key figure within the Nationalist Congress Party.
