Ajit Anantrao Pawar, one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures and the state’s Deputy Chief Minister, died on January 28, 2026 when the plane he was traveling in crashed near Baramati airport in Pune district, western India. The accident claimed the lives of all five people on board, including Pawar, his security personnel and the flight crew. The sudden loss has shaken Maharashtra’s political landscape and sparked an outpouring of grief across the country.
What Happened: Details of the Crash
On Wednesday morning, a chartered Learjet 45 carrying Ajit Pawar departed from Mumbai with plans to fly to Baramati — his hometown and a key political base — for a series of local election rallies. As the aircraft came in for landing at Baramati airport at around 8:45 a.m., it crash-landed and burst into flames. Eyewitnesses described the plane as appearing unstable in the final moments, falling sharply and then exploding multiple times upon impact.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene, but officials confirmed that there were no survivors. The crash killed Pawar, two pilots and two members of his personal staff. Authorities have not yet released a final cause for the accident, and investigations by aviation agencies are underway.
Tributes from Across the Political Spectrum
The news sent shockwaves through Indian politics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Pawar, calling him “a leader of the people” and highlighting his dedication to serving Maharashtra. Leaders from opposition parties, including Congress figures, also expressed deep sorrow, describing his death as a “great loss” to the state.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who served alongside Pawar, spoke of him as an “elder brother” and promised a thorough probe into the crash. Other prominent politicians, union ministers and regional leaders shared condolences, pointing to Pawar’s long political career and grassroots connect.
Who Was Ajit Pawar?
Ajit Pawar, aged 66 at the time of his death, was a towering presence in Maharashtra politics for decades. He served as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra multiple times under different governments and represented the Baramati constituency for many years. Known for his strategic acumen, he was part of major political developments in the state and held significant influence within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Pawar had forged his own political path in 2023 when he led a faction of the NCP into an alliance with the ruling coalition in the state, marking a major shift in local politics. His role in governance and electoral strategy made him a key figure in Maharashtra’s power corridors.
Impact on Maharashtra Politics
Pawar’s death leaves a sizeable gap in the state’s leadership, especially with local elections approaching. Analysts say the tragedy could reshape alliances and create uncertainty within both the NCP and the broader ruling coalition. His ability to connect with voters across rural and urban landscapes had long been a stabilizing force in Maharashtrian politics.
The immediate aftermath saw political activities paused and official mourning declared in parts of the state. Party offices, civil society groups and ordinary citizens alike shared memories of Pawar’s work on infrastructure, cooperative movements and social welfare initiatives.
Remembering a Long Political Journey
For many in Baramati and beyond, Pawar was more than a politician. Known affectionately as “Dada” by supporters, he built a reputation as a resilient leader who worked closely with farmers, cooperatives and grassroots organizations. His decades-long career included roles in various cabinets and stretches of service that made him one of the most recognizable faces in Maharashtra governance.
His sudden passing in a tragic aviation accident has left a sense of loss throughout the state and raised questions about how the political scene will evolve without his presence.
