A Tragic Morning in Maharashtra: Ajit Pawar Among Five Dead
India was plunged into mourning on January 28, 2026, after news broke that Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, was among five people killed in a plane crash near Baramati Airport in the state’s Pune district. The private Learjet 45 aircraft, carrying Pawar along with his staff and two pilots, crashed while attempting a second landing approach amid poor visibility, burst into flames and left no survivors. Authorities confirmed that Pawar, aged 66, and all others on board perished at the scene.
The aircraft had departed Mumbai earlier that morning, bound for Baramati — Pawar’s home city — where he was scheduled to attend political events ahead of local Zilla Parishad elections. Moments before the crash, flight tracking data showed the Learjet was circling for a second landing attempt following an unsuccessful first approach, possibly due to weather conditions and low visibility.
A Storied Political Career and Deep Roots in Maharashtra
Ajit Pawar was one of Maharashtra’s most prominent and influential political figures, serving multiple terms as deputy chief minister and leader of his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). A veteran politician with decades of experience in public service, he was known for his administrative acumen, strong grassroots connections and significant role in shaping the state’s governance.
Pawar’s political journey was deeply intertwined with Maharashtra’s evolving political landscape. He emerged from a powerful political family and held key portfolios in state government, earning respect across party lines for his expertise in administration and policy. At the time of his death, Pawar was a senior leader within the ruling coalition in the state, allied with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following a factional split from the broader NCP in 2023.
Immediate Reaction: Shock and Condolences from Leaders Nationwide
The news of Pawar’s death sent shockwaves across Indian political circles. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt sorrow, describing Pawar as a “leader of the people” with a “strong grassroots connection” and praising his dedication to public service. Modi called the news of his “untimely demise” both “very shocking and saddening.”
Leaders from across the spectrum also reacted with grief and respect. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge lauded Pawar’s long years of public service and extended sympathies to his family and followers, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was “deeply shocked and stunned” by the sudden loss.
Union ministers, state chief ministers and senior politicians echoed these sentiments, calling the crash a “profound loss” for Indian politics and highlighting Pawar’s contributions to governance and development in Maharashtra over several decades.
State Mourning and Official Tributes
In recognition of his service, the Maharashtra government declared a three-day period of state mourning, during which flags are to be flown at half-mast and official entertainment and public events postponed as a mark of respect.
Crowds gathered outside hospitals and government buildings in Baramati and Pune, paying their respects and mourning the loss of a leader widely respected in local communities. Public expressions of grief have been juxtaposed with calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
Family and Personal Details: Heartbreak at Home
Pawar’s family also faced immediate upheaval. His wife and son traveled to the crash site as the news broke, while extended family members, including his cousin Supriya Sule, shared heartbreak at the loss of a close relative. Family sources noted that Pawar was deeply committed not only to public service but also to his roles as a father and family man.
Plans for his last rites have been set for Baramati, allowing local supporters and residents to pay their final respects. The sense of loss extends beyond politics into the social and cultural fabric of western Maharashtra, where Pawar had a broad base of support.
Crash Investigation Underway
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched formal inquiries into the crash. Early indications from investigators suggest that poor visibility at Baramati Airport may have played a role, but the exact sequence of events remains under review with technical data and cockpit communications being examined.
Officials have emphasised that a detailed investigation will be crucial to understanding whether weather conditions, technical issues or other factors contributed to the fatal accident. The probe aims to offer clarity to the public and prevent future aviation tragedies.
Public and Cultural Reactions: Grief Beyond Politics
The reaction to Ajit Pawar’s death has not been confined to political figures alone. Film stars, athletes and public personalities have taken to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to his legacy. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar mourned Pawar’s passing, calling him a dedicated leader whose work touched many lives across Maharashtra.
Bollywood actors including Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Smriti Irani, and Kangana Ranaut shared messages of shock and sorrow, reflecting the broad impact Pawar had beyond political boundaries. Their heartfelt posts resonated with many who saw Pawar not just as a politician but as a familiar public figure whose influence extended into social and cultural spheres.
Legacy and Uncertain Political Future
The sudden death of Ajit Pawar creates a significant leadership vacuum in Maharashtra’s political landscape, raising questions about the future direction of his party faction and the broader state government coalition. Pawar’s absence is expected to catalyse realignments within regional politics, with analysts closely watching how his party successors will navigate the post-crash period.
His legacy — shaped by decades of governance, electoral strategy, and public engagement — will be debated in the weeks ahead as Maharashtra marks the passing of one of its most influential political leaders. Amid grief, the state and the nation reflect on a life dedicated to public service, a sudden tragedy that has united many in sorrow and solidarity.
