Ajit Pawar Dies in Tragic Plane Crash Near Baramati

On January 28, 2026, Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), died in a tragic plane crash while returning from a political trip. He was 66.

The small charter aircraft, a Learjet 45, took off from Mumbai around 8 am, headed for Baramati, Pawar’s home turf and political base. He was scheduled to attend several public meetings there ahead of the upcoming local body elections. About 45 minutes into the flight, while attempting to land near Baramati airport, the aircraft crashed and burst into flames.

Image Credit: NDTV

Everyone on board was killed instantly. This included Ajit Pawar, the two pilots, and his security personnel.

Visuals from the crash site were disturbing. Thick smoke is rising from the wreckage. Fire engulfed the remains of the plane. Ambulances rushed in as rescue teams searched through twisted metal. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) later confirmed that there were no survivors.

What should have been a routine political journey turned into one of the most devastating moments in Maharashtra’s recent political history.

Who Ajit Pawar Was and Why His Death Matters

Before discussing the political impact, it’s essential to understand who Ajit Pawar was to Maharashtra.

Ajit Anantrao Pawar was not a new face or a temporary leader. He was one of the state’s most experienced and influential politicians, someone who shaped Maharashtra’s governance for over three decades.

Born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara in Ahmednagar district, Pawar entered public life through grassroots politics. He began his career working with cooperative institutions, which play a major role in rural Maharashtra. From there, he moved into electoral politics and was first elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in 1991.

Image Credit: NDTV

That was just the beginning.

Over the next 30-plus years, Ajit Pawar handled some of the most powerful departments in the state. Finance, planning, water resources, rural development, energy - portfolios that directly affect millions of people. He earned a reputation as a hands-on administrator, especially as finance minister, where he was deeply involved in budgets, spending decisions, and policy planning.

At the time of his death, he was serving as Deputy Chief Minister and remained one of the most influential decision-makers in the state government.

A Member of Maharashtra’s Most Powerful Political Family

Ajit Pawar was also closely tied to one of Maharashtra’s most influential political families.

He was the nephew of Sharad Pawar, the veteran leader and founder of the Nationalist Congress Party. Growing up in this political environment, Ajit Pawar learned the mechanics of power early - but he didn’t always walk the same path as his uncle.

Over time, he carved out his own identity. Supporters saw him as decisive and practical. Critics often viewed him as controversial and aggressive. Either way, no one denied his importance.

The NCP Split That Changed Everything

Here’s where his story becomes complicated.

In 2023, Ajit Pawar led a dramatic split within the NCP. Breaking away from Sharad Pawar’s faction, he joined hands with the BJP and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to form the government in Maharashtra. The move shocked political observers and divided party supporters.

Some called it political realism. Others called it betrayal.

Eventually, Ajit Pawar’s faction was recognised as the official NCP by the Election Commission and received the party name and symbol. His group performed well in subsequent elections, and he continued as Deputy Chief Minister, proving once again that he was a survivor in Maharashtra’s rough political landscape.

By 2026, there were even signs of a possible reconciliation within the Pawar family. Both NCP factions had recently contested local elections together in some regions, hinting that old wounds might be healing.

Then came the crash.

What We Know So Far 

As of now, here’s what has been officially confirmed:

• The plane took off from Mumbai at around 8 am.

• It was flying to Baramati, where Ajit Pawar had multiple political engagements.

• Around 45 minutes later, while attempting to land, the aircraft crashed near Baramati airport.

• All five people on board died on the spot.

• The DGCA has confirmed there were no survivors.

Videos from the site show severe damage, suggesting a high-impact crash followed by fire. Investigators have begun examining flight data, maintenance records, weather conditions, and pilot communication.

This isn’t the first time this aircraft model has been linked to a deadly crash. In 2023, another Learjet 45 crashed in Mumbai under different circumstances. Whether there’s any connection remains to be seen.

Image Credit: Live Mint

At this stage, officials have not confirmed the exact cause. Early information points to an emergency landing attempt, but it’s still unclear whether the problem was technical, weather-related, or something else entirely.

A full investigation will take time.

The Immediate Political Shockwave

The impact was felt instantly.

Maharashtra woke up to the news in disbelief. Political leaders across party lines expressed shock and grief. For many, it was hard to process that someone so central to state politics was suddenly gone.

Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar’s cousin, Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule, was in Delhi attending Parliament’s budget session when the news broke. They are expected to return to Pune immediately.

So far, there has been no detailed official statement from the Maharashtra government or the NCP leadership. But behind the scenes, urgent meetings are inevitable.

This tragedy comes at a sensitive time. Local body elections are around the corner, and Ajit Pawar was actively campaigning. His sudden absence leaves a major leadership gap.

Why Ajit Pawar’s Death Changes Maharashtra Politics

This isn’t just about losing a deputy chief minister.

Ajit Pawar was a power broker. He understood coalitions, numbers, and negotiations better than most. He played a key role in shaping alliances and keeping governments stable.

With him gone, the political balance shifts.

The NCP now faces uncertainty once again - questions about leadership, direction, and unity. The ruling alliance will need to decide quickly who steps into the deputy chief minister’s role and how to maintain momentum ahead of elections.

Voters, too, will be watching closely. Sympathy, anger, and confusion - all of it could influence upcoming political outcomes.

Beyond Politics: The Human Loss

Away from election strategies and power equations is a human story.

Ajit Pawar entered public life in his early 20s and spent nearly his entire adult life in service, controversy, and leadership. He was deeply connected to Baramati, a place that shaped him and that he, in turn, shaped through decades of political work.

For his family, staff, supporters, and even political rivals, this is a sudden and painful loss.

Death doesn’t wait for reconciliation, closure, or final chapters. It arrives without warning.

What Happens Now

The investigation into the crash will continue, and answers will eventually come.

Politically, Maharashtra will adjust, reshuffle, and move forward - as it always does.

But for now, the dominant feeling is grief.

January 28, 2026, will be remembered not just as a tragic accident but as the day Maharashtra lost one of its most influential and complex political figures.

This is a developing story, and its full impact will unfold in the days and weeks ahead.