Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday after the aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting to land in Baramati in Pune district, officials said. The tragic incident took place on the morning of January 28, when the chartered plane was arriving from Mumbai for Pawar’s scheduled public programmes ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections.
Visuals from the crash site showed the aircraft completely damaged and engulfed in flames, as local residents rushed in to help rescue teams. Police, fire services and ambulances reached the spot immediately, and rescue operations were launched. However, officials later confirmed that all six people on board, including Ajit Pawar, were brought dead to a nearby hospital.
Confirming the incident, Baramati airport manager Shivaji Taware said, “The aircraft was attempting to land when it veered off the runway and crashed. It was a Learjet 45 chartered from Mumbai.” The Directorate General of Civil Aviation also confirmed the crash and said a detailed investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause.
Ajit Pawar’s close aide Kiran Gujar, who was present at the hospital, said, “All six people, including Ajit Pawar, were brought dead. It is an irreparable loss for Baramati and for Maharashtra.” Pawar’s brother Shriniwas Pawar expressed deep grief and said the last rites would be performed in Baramati.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take stock of the situation and offered condolences to the bereaved families. Several political leaders across party lines expressed shock and sorrow over the sudden death of the senior NCP leader.
Ajit Pawar, 66, was one of Maharashtra’s most influential politicians. He entered the Lok Sabha in 1991 from Baramati before giving up the seat for his uncle Sharad Pawar. He went on to win the Baramati Assembly constituency seven times and held key portfolios in the state government over three decades.
The crash has once again raised concerns over aviation safety, especially as this comes months after previous helicopter-related incidents involving senior political leaders in Maharashtra. Authorities said further details will emerge after technical and forensic examinations of the crash site.
