By Gemini News Network Wednesday, January 28, 2026
BARAMATI, Maharashtra – India is in a state of mourning following the tragic death of Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a titan of state politics. Pawar, 66, was killed on Wednesday morning when his chartered aircraft crashed while attempting to land at the Baramati Airport in his home constituency.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and local police have confirmed that there were no survivors among the five people on board.
The Incident: Fatal Landing at Baramati
The aircraft, a Learjet 45 (Registration: VT-SSK) operated by the Delhi-based charter firm VSR, took off from Mumbai at approximately 8:10 AM IST. Pawar was traveling to Baramati to address a series of four public meetings ahead of the upcoming local body and Zilla Parishad elections.
According to airport officials and eyewitnesses, the crash occurred at approximately 8:45 AM. As the plane attempted to touch down, it reportedly veered off the side of the runway, failed to stabilize, and exploded upon impact.
“There were 4-5 loud explosions,” an eyewitness at the scene told reporters. “We tried to rush to the victims, but the wreckage was completely engulfed in flames. It was a harrowing sight.”
The Victims
Tragically, all five individuals on board were declared dead at the scene. Along with the Deputy Chief Minister, the victims include:
- Two Staff Members: Pawar’s Personal Security Officer (PSO) and a personal attendant.
- Two Crew Members: The pilot-in-command and the first officer.
Political Shockwaves and Reactions
Ajit Pawar was one of the most influential figures in Maharashtra’s history, serving as Deputy Chief Minister under four different Chief Ministers. His death has left a massive vacuum in the state’s political landscape.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the death as “shocking and saddening,” calling Pawar a “leader of the people with a strong grassroots connection.”
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Co-Deputy CM Eknath Shinde expressed deep grief. Shinde, visible shaken, stated that Pawar was “like an elder brother” to him.
- Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar, Ajit’s uncle, and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule were in Delhi for the Parliament’s budget session when the news broke; they are reportedly traveling to Pune immediately.
The Aftermath: Investigation Launched
The DGCA has ordered a high-level probe into the crash. While the cause is not yet officially confirmed, investigators will focus on technical failures or environmental factors during the landing maneuver.
Baramati Airport has been cordoned off, and the last rites for the late leader are expected to be held in his hometown later this week. Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife, Sunetra, and his sons, Parth and Jay.
FAQ: The Baramati Air Tragedy
Q: What type of aircraft was involved? A: The aircraft was a Learjet 45 chartered from VSR. Notably, another aircraft of the same make was involved in a crash in Mumbai in September 2023.
Q: Were there any survivors? A: No. Local police and the DGCA have confirmed that all five personnel on board, including Ajit Pawar and the crew, perished in the crash.
Q: What was Ajit Pawar’s role in the government? A: At the time of his death, he was serving as one of the two Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, alongside Eknath Shinde, in the government led by Devendra Fadnavis. He also held the Finance and Planning portfolios.
Q: What will happen to the upcoming elections in Baramati? A: While no official announcement has been made, local political activities have been suspended indefinitely as the state observes a period of mourning.