Introduction – A Shocking Loss for Maharashtra and India
In the early hours of January 28, 2026, a catastrophic plane crash near Baramati, Pune (Maharashtra) tragically ended the life of Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The accident happened when the aircraft carrying him was attempting to land at Baramati Airport and crashed, leaving no survivors. This event has brought widespread grief and disbelief across the state and the entire country.
What Really Happened – The Plane Crash Details
The chartered private aircraft — a Bombardier Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) operated by VSR Aviation — was flying from Mumbai to Baramati for Ajit Pawar’s scheduled political engagements when it crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport. According to officials and eyewitnesses:
- The plane crash-landed and burst into flames near the runway.
- All six people onboard died instantly — Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, an attendant and two pilots.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed there were no survivors from the crash, and the final cause is still under investigation.
Who Was Ajit Pawar? (Life, Background & Legacy)
Early Life and Education
- Full Name: Ajit Anantrao Pawar
- Born: 22 July 1959 in Deolali Pravara, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra.
- He completed his schooling and later engaged in family and cooperative activities before entering politics full-time.
Ajit came from a deeply political family with a legacy of public service in Maharashtra.
Education & Entry into Politics
Ajit Pawar pursued education in Maharashtra and gradually became involved in cooperative institutions — especially the sugar and milk cooperatives, which often serve as the grassroots foundation in regional politics.
He first entered active politics in the early 1980s and rose quickly due to his strategic acumen and influence within rural Maharashtra.
Political Journey
Ajit Pawar’s political career spanned four decades, defined by strategic leadership, coalition politics, and administrative expertise:
Key Milestones
- Elected Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Baramati in 1991.
- Later, he entered the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and rose through the ranks.
- He held key ministerial portfolios including Irrigation, Finance, Planning, Excise, Sports & Youth Affairs.
- Ajit Pawar served as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra multiple times across different governments.
He was widely respected for his deep understanding of budgets and governance and was one of the longest-serving deputy chief ministers in the state.
Party & Political Identity
- Political Party: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) – Ajit Pawar faction.
- In 2023, his faction aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance, a major turn in Maharashtra politics.
Ajit played a crucial role in maintaining alliances and shaping state political dynamics.
Ajit Pawar Family – A Political Dynasty
Ajit Pawar belonged to one of Maharashtra’s most influential political families:
Family Members
- Father: Anantrao Pawar
- Uncle: Sharad Pawar – Veteran Indian politician (founder of the original NCP)
- Wife: Sunetra Pawar – Politician and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
- Children: Two sons — Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar
- He was also related to Supriya Sule (cousin), a Member of Parliament.
Family Reaction
Political family members, including Supriya Sule, have expressed deep grief and emotional devastation over his death.
Ajit Pawar’s Age and Final Moments
At the time of his death, Ajit Pawar was 66 years old and actively involved in upcoming political events.
On the morning of January 28, 2026, he was in route to Baramati to address multiple campaign meetings ahead of local elections when tragedy struck.
Aircraft Involved & Crash Dynamics
- Aircraft Type: Learjet 45XR (VT-SSK)
- Operator: VSR Aviation
- Occupants: 6
- Fatalities: 6 (including Ajit Pawar)
- Origin: Mumbai
- Destination: Baramati Airport (Maharashtra)
Preliminary visuals from the crash site showed the aircraft engulfed in flames upon impact. Aviation authorities are investigating mechanical and procedural factors.
National Reaction – Leaders and Public Grief
The crash sparked an outpouring of responses:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock and sorrow at the loss of a dedicated leader.
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described Ajit Pawar as a “straightforward and fearless leader” and promised a full investigation.
- Public figures and celebrities also shared their condolences, showing the broad impact of this loss.
Political Impact – What Comes Next?
The sudden death of Ajit Pawar raises big questions for Maharashtra politics:
Immediate Effects
- Leadership vacuum in the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction).
- Need for appointment of a new Deputy Chief Minister — options include senior leaders from allied parties or within his own family circle.
Long-Term Implications
- Potential realignment of coalition politics in Maharashtra.
- Impact on upcoming local elections in rural and Baramati regions.
- Reassessment of airline charter safety norms for VIP travel.
Conclusion – A Legacy Remembered
Ajit Pawar’s death is not just a political event — it’s the end of an era in Maharashtra. For nearly 40 years, he was a key figure in shaping policies, alliances, and the state’s governance approach. His tragic passing in a plane crash has left a deep void in Indian politics and in the lives of millions who knew him as “Dada” — a leader, strategist and public servant.
FAQ (Quick Reference)
Was Ajit Pawar really dead?
Yes. Multiple verified sources confirm his death in the Baramati plane crash.
How did the plane crash happen?
The Learjet 45 crashed while attempting to land at Baramati — reasons are under investigation.
Who else died in the accident?
The crash also killed his personal security officer, attendant and two pilots.
Who was Ajit Pawar politically?
A senior leader, multi-term Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra with decades of public service.
What’s next for his party and position?
Senior leaders will decide the next Deputy CM, and political analysts are watching possible future alignments.